Which lipid profile component is typically decreased in metabolic syndrome?

HDL cholesterol is typically decreased in metabolic syndrome, making it a key indicator of this condition. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of risk factors including insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. In this context, low levels of HDL cholesterol are significant because HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. It plays a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transport, helping to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for excretion or recycling.

A decrease in HDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, which is why it is a critical component of the lipid profile to monitor in patients with metabolic syndrome. Other lipid components, such as LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, may be elevated in this syndrome, while total cholesterol does not uniquely reflect the dyslipidemic patterns associated with metabolic syndrome.