Evaluating CMR

Conclusion

In summary, numerous groups have called for further research to resolve several unanswered questions regarding the relationship of metabolic syndrome diagnosis criteria to CVD and type 2 diabetes. At issue is the concordance between various guidelines, the criteria to be included in the clinical diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome, the “continuous” nature of the metabolic syndrome (create a scoring system rather than make a “yes” or “no” diagnosis in order to consider the linear relationship between the metabolic syndrome and CVD and diabetes risk), and the medical value of diagnosing the metabolic syndrome beyond current screening tools. Further research is obviously needed to shed light on the pathophysiological processes that underpin the metabolic syndrome and enhance our understanding of its clustering abnormalities and clinical relevance. More work is also required to develop new therapeutic targets for treatment of the metabolic syndrome and determine whether it is better to treat the metabolic syndrome as a single entity or focus our efforts on its individual components.