American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam with detailed quizzes. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions to master the ABS QE topics. Get all the hints and explanations you need to succeed on your first attempt!

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Which of the following is NOT a component of metabolic syndrome?

Obesity
Low TAGS
High fasting glucose
Hypertension

The correct answer is: Low TAGS

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The defining components typically include: 1. **Obesity** (specifically abdominal obesity), 2. **High fasting glucose** levels, 3. **Hypertension** (high blood pressure), 4. **Elevated triglycerides or low HDL cholesterol**. Low triglyceride levels are actually not a feature of metabolic syndrome; in fact, elevated levels of triglycerides are typically part of the syndrome's definition. When someone has metabolic syndrome, they often present with high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol. Thus, having low triglycerides would not align with the criteria for metabolic syndrome, making it the correct choice for what is NOT a component of this condition. Understanding these details is crucial, as metabolic syndrome is an important public health concern with significant implications for cardiovascular health.