Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The definition of metabolic syndrome is characterized by the presence of three or more specified health conditions that increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These conditions typically include abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and abnormal cholesterol levels. The requirement of three or more conditions highlights the multifaceted nature of metabolic syndrome, as it considers various metabolic risk factors that collectively contribute to an individual's health risk.

In contrast, other options focus on different aspects. For example, simply having two or more conditions does not meet the established criteria for metabolic syndrome, which specifically requires at least three. A BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity but does not encompass the full range of metabolic factors that define the syndrome. Lastly, elevated cholesterol levels alone do not provide a comprehensive assessment of the syndrome, as metabolic syndrome includes other important metrics such as blood pressure and waist circumference. Thus, identifying three or more health risks provides a more accurate picture of the individual's health status in terms of metabolic syndrome.