Year

2009

Paper Type

Doctoral Project

College

Brooks College of Health

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Lillia M. Loriz

Second Advisor

Dr. Kathaleen C. Bloom

Third Advisor

Dr. Judith Rodriguez

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a serious health problem in the United States. The presence of metabolic syndrome significantly increases the risk of developing type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease by producing a prothrombic state. The prothrombic state that results from the clustering of several independent cardiovascular risk factors within one individual increases the risk of micro and macro vascular changes and eventually to end organ damage.

There is considerable evidence to support the serious nature of this medical condition. Medications used to treat the hypertension, diabetic, and dyslipidemia components of metabolic syndrome can be a significant drain on the monthly budget of individuals and families, especially if they do not have health insurance. Diet and exercise programs have been shown to be effective in reducing adiposity and decreasing insulin resistance. These changes in lifestyle may be adjuncts or a low cost alternative to expensive medications for some individuals. The purpose of this project was to identify the effect of an intensive dietary and exercise program on patients with metabolic syndrome.

This study even with a small sample size (n = 5) showed that waist size, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and high density lipoprotein levels were trending towards levels that would remove the patient from the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The greatest benefit for the general population would result from intervention prior to a diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes and with medication naïve individuals. Early intervention would decrease the cost of medical treatment and hospitalizations.

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