This disease is still in the process of being defined.  What is known is that it is highly dangerous and that it can be measured.
 
Here’s what to look for:

Overweight with fat distribution in the abdominal region
Elevated fasting triglycerides
Low HDL cholesterol
High blood pressure
Elevated fasting blood glucose
 
WHO and the National Cholesterol Education Program require three of the five features to make the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.

There is, however, one risk factor they all have in common.  Everyone with metabolic syndrome is technically obese: just a 40-inch waist in men, 35 inches in women.  Measure your waist with a tape measure around the area above your hip bone and below your rib cage.
 
All five hallmarks of the metabolic syndrome are independently and significantly linked to heart attack and stroke, according to the NHANES III national survey
 
Abdominal Fat
According to the American Obesity Association you have increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease if your waist measurement exceeds the above numbers and your BMI is above 25
 
Triglycerides
Your body uses triglycerides for energy and stores them as body fat for future use.  If your fasting blood triglyceride level is over 150, you are at risk for metabolic syndrome.
 
Low HDL cholesterol
HDL is the ‘good’ cholesterol that indicates your blood’s ability to remove dangerous levels of fats and help protect your arteries from the buildup of plaques.  Low is below 40 in men or below 50 in women.  With an HDL of 20, heart disease is almost unavoidable.

High Blood Pressure
110/70 is considered normal.  Levels that exceed 130/85 place your cardiovascular system at significant risk.

High Fasting Blood Glucose
Normal limit is 110.  High blood sugar is the driving force behind metabolic syndrome since it can cause both low HDL and high triglycerides.

Take heart!  Metabolic syndrome is a lifestyle disease that can be treated and even cured with rigorous diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes
 

Seven Steps to Stop a Heart Attack-Dr. Bob Arnot