American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

How many criteria from the list are needed to diagnose metabolic syndrome?

1. 1

2. 2

3. 3

4. 4

The correct answer is: 3

To diagnose metabolic syndrome, three or more specific criteria from a standardized list are required. These criteria typically include abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose levels. The presence of these characteristics indicates an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, making the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome a significant public health concern. Understanding that the condition is defined by a combination of several metabolic abnormalities underscores the importance of a comprehensive assessment. Focusing solely on one or two criteria may overlook the multifaceted nature of the syndrome, meaning that a higher number of criteria implies a greater likelihood of associated health risks and necessitates more urgent medical intervention. Thus, the need for at least three criteria helps ensure that the diagnosis captures the complexity of metabolic dysregulation that characterizes metabolic syndrome.