Syndrome X has been observed in people who are insulin resistant. One such group is people with diabetes , who have a defect in insulin action and are unable to maintain a proper level of glucose in their blood. This condition is known as hyperinsulinemia . A third group is heart attack survivors who, unlike hypertensives, have hyperinsulinemia without having abnormal glucose levels. Some research has shown that people with cardiac Syndrome X also have lipid abnormalities, suggesting that the two syndromes may be the same.
Many scientists think that it is genetically based.
The underlying cause is not fully understood. People with Syndrome X are at increased risk of coronary artery disease. The following are recommendations from the AHA Monitor blood glucose, lipoproteins and blood pressure. Treat diabetes and hyperlipidemia according to established guidelines. Choose drug therapy for hypertensives with care since different agents have different effects on insulin sensitivity.