The Metabolic Syndrome, also known as Dysmetabolic Syndrome X, is a condition that, if untreated, can lead to premature death due to cardiovascular causes, such as heart attack and stroke. It is defined by a constellation of risk factors related to physical findings and lab values as noted below. These factors are associated with Insulin Resistance by the body, leading to elevated levels of Insulin, which is believed to be the cause of the tissue damage. In addition to causing cardiovascular complications in both men and women, the Metabolic Syndrome is a very common cause of Infertility by causing the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in women.
Are you at risk for The Metabolic Syndrome?
If you have any 3 of the following 5 risk factors, you should be evaluated for this syndrome.
Abdominal Obesity: Defined as waist size greater than 40 inches (102 cm) in men, or 35 inches (88 cm) in women
Low HDL Cholesterol (The good cholesterol): HDL of less than 40 mg/dl in men, or less than 50 mg/dl in women
High Triglycerides: 150 mg/dl or greater
Borderline/High Blood Pressure: 130/85 mmHg or greater
Elevated Fasting Glucose: 110 mg/dl or greater
Further information about the Metabolic Syndrome and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can be found by clicking on the link below:
Actos and Avandia now have a stronger "Black Box" warning that the drugs may bring on Congestive Heart Failure, according to FDA commissioner Andrew C. Von Eschenbach, MD.
Physicians have always known about the potential risk of water retention and possible heart failure with the use of these drugs. That is why doctors have to pick and choose which patients can tolerate such medication, and why such patients are closely monitored.
A heart attack is a different issue. Heart attacks occur when something blocks blood flow to the heart, causing heart tissue to die. In a September 12, 2007 article in JAMA, a review of multiple studies found that patients treated with Avandia had an increased risk of both heart attack and congestive heart failure.
In another article in the same issue of JAMA, research suggested that Actos is safe, and decreased the rate of heart attack and stroke in patients who use it. However, the risk of congestive heart failure was higher, as expected.
Dr. Melamed is requesting that all patients contact the office to further discuss this matter. Also, feel free to check back at the website for updates.
New Vaccine Prevents Cervical Cancer and Warts:
For the first time, a vaccination has been approved by the FDA for the specific prevention of Cervical Cancer. Gardasil is a vaccine against the 4 most common types of viruses that cause warts, the human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Types 16 and 18 cause almost 70% of the cases of cervical cancer in women. With this immunization, you can reduce the chance of getting warts by almost 90% and cervical cancer by almost 70%. The vaccine is currently indicated and covered by most insurances for young ladies between 9 and 26 years of age. Please contact us for further information or to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine today.