SYNDROME X

I have been a medical transcriptionist for 30 years and have never heard of Syndrome X. It is also known as Insulin Resistant Syndrome as well as Metabolic Syndrome. As I stated in my "about me" section, I suffered a massive heart attack at the age of 47. In addition, I have recently, in the past six months, been started on type 2 diabetes treatment. I also fight constantly to keep my good cholesterol level within an acceptable range and keep my triglycerides down. I am also taking several medications for hypertension (high blood pressure).

I had followup recently with my cardiologist and I mentioned to him that I have occasional spasms under my left breast. He told me that I am a perfect candidate for Syndrome X. He said the chest pain I am feeling is as a result of small-vessel disease in relation to my diabetic condition.

Since being diagnosed with this syndrome, I have been researching it and have found a lot of answers to why I feel so tired all of the time, why I had tremendous weight gain over the last 3 to 4 years, especially in the mid-section and why I sometimes feel like I am "sick and tired of being sick and tired".

With all of the research that I have done, I have found that leading a stressful life is detrimental to your health, especially if you want to develop metabolic problems in the future. If you already have these issues, removing stress from your life is essential.

If any of the above applies to you in addition to needing a lot of caffeine and sugar to keep going, you could have a metabolic situation. This type of thing creeps up on you and is often missed in diagnosis. As a patient, you have a voice, use it. If you feel any of the symptoms I described above, as your doctor about it, it can't hurt and it certainly may prove to save your life.

If you would like more information about Syndrome X, Total Health Breakthroughs is a great place to get started. As I continue to research this syndrome, I will be adding some links for your convenience.