FREE EDUCATIONAL CHECKER

Do your numbers match the pattern?

Enter five measurements to see which commonly used metabolic syndrome criteria they match. Nothing is saved or sent.

5 criteria 60 seconds 0 data collected

CHECK YOUR ENTRIES

The 5-criteria checker

Use recent fasting lab values and a properly taken blood pressure reading. If you are unsure, check your lab report.

AHA reference range
Measurement units

The published AHA waist and HDL cutoffs use male and female reference ranges. Choose the range your healthcare professional uses for you.

01

Waist circumference

Measure just above the hip bones after breathing out.

Sex-specific
02

Triglycerides

Use the triglyceride value from your fasting lipid panel.

≥ 150 mg/dL
03

HDL cholesterol

HDL is often labeled “good cholesterol” on lab reports.

Sex-specific
04

Blood pressure

Use a recent, properly taken reading.

≥ 130 / 85
05

Fasting glucose

Use a fasting lab value, not A1C or a post-meal reading.

≥ 100 mg/dL
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YOUR EDUCATIONAL RESULT

What this result can and cannot tell you

This checker compares your entries with standard U.S. AHA criteria. It does not verify the measurements, account for your complete medical history, or diagnose metabolic syndrome. Waist cutoffs may differ by race and ethnicity. Share the result with a qualified healthcare professional.

NEXT STEP

Understand the pattern behind the numbers.

Learn how these five markers connect, then take the free Metabolic Assessment to explore your broader pattern.

THE REFERENCE POINTS

What are the five metabolic syndrome criteria?

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster, not a single laboratory test. A healthcare professional commonly looks for three or more of these five factors.

FactorCommon U.S. AHA reference point
Waist circumferenceGreater than 40 in for men or 35 in for women
Triglycerides150 mg/dL or more, or relevant medicine
HDL cholesterolLess than 40 mg/dL for men or 50 mg/dL for women, or relevant medicine
Blood pressure130 systolic or 85 diastolic, or relevant medicine
Fasting glucose100 mg/dL or more, or relevant medicine

BEFORE YOU CALCULATE

Use the right numbers

1

Use current results

Choose recent measurements that reflect your current health and medication use.

2

Use fasting labs

Enter fasting glucose and the triglyceride and HDL values from a lipid panel.

3

Bring the pattern to your clinician

Use the summary to start a conversation, not to make a diagnosis or change treatment.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Metabolic syndrome checker FAQ

What score is commonly associated with metabolic syndrome?

A healthcare professional commonly looks for three or more of the five criteria. This checker shows whether the numbers you enter match those reference points, but it cannot diagnose a medical condition.

Do medications count toward the criteria?

Yes. The American Heart Association criteria include relevant medication use for triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting glucose. Select the medication box only when the medicine is being used for that specific issue.

Does A1C count as one of the five criteria?

No. The commonly used five-factor definition uses fasting glucose, not A1C. A1C may still be clinically important, so discuss it with your healthcare professional.

Why does the checker ask which sex-based range applies?

The published AHA waist and HDL reference values use different cutoffs for men and women. Choose the reference range your healthcare professional uses for you.

Can waist thresholds differ by race or ethnicity?

Yes. NHLBI notes that healthcare professionals may use different waist values depending on race and ethnicity. This checker uses the standard U.S. AHA values and flags that limitation in every result.

Are my entries saved or sent anywhere?

No. The calculation happens in your browser. This page does not submit, save, or transmit the health values you enter.

SOURCES AND LIMITATIONS

Built from authoritative criteria

Thresholds were checked against the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This tool is for adults and uses standard U.S. AHA reference values.

Last criteria check: August 8, 2026