There isn’t an universal definition for the metabolic syndrome. The current proposals include contradictory points and emphasize different aspects of the metabolic syndrome such as hypertension, obesity, seric levels of HDL, triglycerides, glicemia etc.

In spite of being known for many decades, its effective diagnosis only recentley was established. The diagnosis is based upon criteria supported by three entities: WHO, National Program for Education of Cholesterol and American Association of Clinical Endocrinology.

In the present paper it is discussed the diagnostic criteria and treatment.