Reaven Syndrome Revisited

Abstract

Reaven or Metabolic syndrome has many well-recognized cardiovascular disease risk (CVD) factors. Choosing which one of these is primarily responsible for the accelerated atherogenesis that characterizes this syndrome is a complex task. The problem is further compounded by a need for more understanding of the cellular and molecular changes resulting from insulin resistance. We aim to revisit the current understanding of Reaven syndrome or Metabolic syndrome in light of the lifestyle transition. The growing burden of metabolic syndrome is associated with rising exposure to behavioural, dietary and metabolic risk factors. These risks are, in turn, linked to a caloriedense diet, physical inactivity, sedentary time, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Moreover, the altered lifestyle has increased the risk of metabolic syndrome associated with CVD in the younger as well as non-obese population. This growing risk could be attributed to the
increased insulin resistance due to lifestyle changes probably associated with technological advances reducing the physically active time. Periodic screening even in young adults may aid in timely recognition and resolution of CVD risk factors.