Specialists at the Cardiac Metabolic Syndrome Program help patients lose weight and manage cardiac risk factors, including being overweight, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.
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- 866-MGH-8910
CONTACT US
Cardiac Metabolic Syndrome Program
25 New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-726-1843
Fax: 617-726-2203
Public Transportation Access: yes
Disabled Access: yes
Specialists in the Cardiac Metabolic Syndrome Program help patients who are at risk for developing or already have diabetes to lose weight and manage other cardiac risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol. Our goal is to provide an action plan plus the support needed to achieve a healthier weight and lifestyle.
Specialists also follow up with your primary care physician to coordinate treatment. Cardiac experts establish a profile of your risk and a personal follow-up plan to improve heart health. This includes lifestyle changes of improved attention to food choices and nutrition, increased physical activity and stress reduction.
What to Expect
Following a comprehensive evaluation with a team physician and nutritionist a plan is developed that addresses how you can achieve a healthy weight. This evaluation includes:
- Detailed history and physical exam
- Review of cardiac risk factors
- Cardiac exam including electrocardiogram
- Nutrition assessment
- Comprehensive weight and diet history
- Exercise history, including leisure and work activities
- An exercise tolerance test (ETT) when indicated
- Lipid profile which includes total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides
- Other cardiac biomarkers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein
- Blood sugar
- Body Composition
- Basal metabolic rate (BMR) by oximetry, a breathing test that measures resting oxygen consumption and daily calorie requirement
- Percent body fat
- Body mass index, a calculation to help determine cardiac risk
Learn to be Lean Program
Patients evaluated through the Metabolic Syndrome Program may elect to participate in a unique 12-week program called Learn to be Lean. The program meets on Friday afternoons from noon to 3:00 pm. The goal is to intensify support for weight loss and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Physicians and nurses cover exercise physiology, target heart rates, importance of aerobic and strength training, metabolism and eating behaviors. The group shares experiences and discusses their own responses.
Supervised Aerobic ExercisePatients exercise on a treadmill, stationary cycle or other equipment under the supervision of an exercise physiologist and/or nurse.
Strength TrainingPatients learn a series of strength training exercises to complement their aerobic training and enhance weight loss. The program is designed to be carried out independently at home.
Yoga and RelaxationNurses trained in specialized yoga lead patients through relaxation, breathing exercises and yoga. Techniques, including guided imagery, meditation and yoga, provide patients with tools that can be applied at any time to reduce stress and curb overeating.
Individual CounselingPatients meet privately with a program physician and a nutritionist to review their progress and address any individual questions.
Request an appointment at the Heart Center 
Call the Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center outpatient access nurse at 866-MGH-8910
Discover the Heart Center Patient Experience
Our approach to patient care brings together a team of cardiac specialists who create a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
