Treatment of metabolic syndrome: drugs often but diet always - a case report

Abstract

Abstract: A case of a 32-year-old male with obesity and hypertension who was admitted to hospital with suspected acute myocardial infarction (MI) is presented. An initial diagnosis of MI was ruled-out, however, diabetes and marked hypertriglyceridemia were detected. Introduction of diet and proper diabetes control with insulin caused a marked decrease in triglyceride and cholesterol levels. After discharge the patient did not comply to dietary recommendations and stopped fibrates due to gastro-intestinal side effects which resulted in a marked elevation in lipid levels. Finally, statin therapy and better compliance to dietary recommendations resulted in the normalisation of cholesterol level, a marked decrease in triglyceride concentration and a loss of 5 kg of body weight. The need for combined treatment consisting of pharmacologic agents and life-style changes is stressed.