In 2001, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III identified the metabolic syndrome (since referred to as the cardiometabolic syndrome [CMS]) as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death among adults. Prospective population studies show that individuals with CMS are at increased risk for CVD events, and in individuals without established type 2 diabetes mellitus, an increase in the risk for developing diabetes compared to those without the syndrome. This finding implies that CMS imparts a high long-term risk
for both CVD and diabetes.

The ramifications, with respect to morbidity and mortality, associated with CMS, its individual components, and its co-morbidities are clear. It is critical for healthcare professionals to recognize the components of CMS and be prepared to diagnose, treat and prevent the syndrome early to improve patient outcomes.