Which of the following is a diagnostic criterion for metabolic syndrome?

The correct answer identifies a diagnostic criterion for metabolic syndrome based on established guidelines. Specifically, one of the key components of metabolic syndrome is elevated blood pressure, which is defined as a systolic blood pressure of greater than 130 mmHg. This criterion aligns with the criteria established by health authorities such as the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

The measurement of systolic blood pressure reflects the pressure in the arteries during heartbeats, and higher values increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are critical considerations in the context of metabolic syndrome.

The other options provided are not aligned with the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome. For instance, waist circumference measurements that are less than 70 cm are generally considered normal and do not indicate an increased risk for metabolic disorders; instead, a larger waist circumference is a criterion for diagnosis. Similarly, while triglyceride levels greater than 150 mg/dL qualify as a risk marker for metabolic syndrome, a level of greater than 100 mg/dL is not sufficient to meet this criterion. Lastly, higher levels of HDL cholesterol (greater than 60 mg/dL) are actually considered protective against metabolic syndrome, as lower levels of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL