Metabolic Syndrome
The new metabolic syndrome program is a provincial referral centre to service the needs of all British Columbians. Our goal is to help people make healthy lifestyle changes that will prevent or lower their risk from both heart disease and diabetes by reducing the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. This program also aims to provide education and support to other health care professionals within British Columbia.
The metabolic syndrome is linked with many risk factors that can increase the risk for heart disease and diabetes. These risk factors include an increased waist size or extra abdominal or "belly" fat, a high blood triglyceride level (a type of blood fat), low "good" HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood glucose (sugar).
We offer a 12-month program that provides both individual and group support to people with metabolic syndrome. Activities focus on individual goal setting and problem solving for achieving healthy lifestyle changes. Our staff will help patients learn how to make healthy diet changes, how to exercise and increase daily activities to reduce the risk factors of the metabolic syndrome. Patients will see a clinical nurse specialist, dietitian, exercise specialist, occupational therapist and a physician. We will work in partnership with family physicians in caring for patients who may benefit from more extensive lifestyle counseling and support. Your family doctor will be regularly updated on your progress and the services you receive.
Metabolic Syndrome Clinic Referral
Referral can be from your family doctor or specialist or by self-referral. You can call or email us if you have questions about sef-referral. Email address: mets@providencehealth.bc.ca
Click here for a referral form Referrals .
Referral criteria include:
Abdominal obesity:
Waist circumference ≥94 cm for men; ≥80 cm for women.
Plus any two of the following:
- Fasting glucose ≥5.6 mmol/L
- Raised blood pressure≥130/85 mm Hg
- Reduced HDL-cholesterol <1.04 men; <1.29 women
- Raised triglycerides ≥1.7 mmol/L
Atherosclerosis Specialty Laboratory
ASL is a clinical and research laboratory which:
- Discovers and develops diagnostic and prognostic test used in the prediction, assessment and treatment of atherosclerosis
- Performs basic and clinical research related to understanding the mechanisms of atherosclerosis
Clinical Trials
Independent research studies are conducted by HHP staff members who are affiliated with the University of British Columbia. Private industry supported clinical trials are also conducted through this department.
Healthy Heart Program Location
The Healthy Heart Program is located in the Burrard building across from the main hospital entrance. You may also enter from the Comox Street hospital entrance. Room B180.
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday, 730 am – 430 pm
Contact Us
Telephone: 604-806-8591
Fax: 604-806-8590
Address: B180 - 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y2