Metabolic Syndrome Epidemic

health care crisis of epidemic proportion faces western industrialized societies. From Reaven's 1 early description of "syndrome X," both the prevalence and general awareness of what is now known as the metabolic syndrome have risen rapidly. The importance and complexity of the metabolic syndrome as one of the major health care issues currently facing society are eloquently discussed in the present issue of Circulation by Drs Haffner and Taegtmeyer 2 and Reilly and Rader. The consensus opinion expressed by these thought leaders is startling in both magnitude and implication.