Which of the following is not a factor in diagnosing metabolic syndrome?

High HDL cholesterol is considered a protective factor against metabolic syndrome rather than a criterion for its diagnosis. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, and its diagnostic criteria typically include factors that indicate an increased risk, such as a large waistline, high triglycerides, and hypertension.

A large waistline signifies visceral fat accumulation, which is a risk factor for metabolic issues. Elevated triglycerides reflect lipid metabolism abnormalities, indicating a possible risk for cardiovascular complications. Hypertension is included as high blood pressure can contribute to the overall risk of metabolic syndrome. Thus, while low levels of HDL cholesterol can be a risk factor, higher levels are associated with better cardiovascular health and hence do not contribute to the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.