Which of the following is NOT a criterion for metabolic syndrome?

• A. Increased waist circumference
• B. LDL below 100
• C. Triglyceride level over 150
• D. Fasting glucose above 100

Answer: (B)

Metabolic syndrome is defined by a cluster of metabolic risk factors, and it is diagnosed when several of these specific criteria are present, not by LDL levels. The five criteria include abdominal obesity (increased waist circumference), high triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL), low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women), elevated blood pressure (≥130/85 mmHg or on antihypertensive treatment), and elevated fasting glucose (≥100 mg/dL or on treatment for hyperglycemia). LDL cholesterol is not part of this syndrome’s diagnostic set. So the statement about LDL below 100 is not a criterion because metabolic syndrome focuses on waist, triglycerides, HDL, glucose, and blood pressure rather than LDL levels.