Obesity and Its Associated Heart Risks

• Heart • • Obesity • May 23, 10

Obesity is a disorder that is increasing in epidemic proportions, especially in the industrialized world. It’s a disorder that is defined as simply having too much body fat. Because our body is made up generally of water, fat, protein and carbohydrates, as well as a varied array of proteins, vitamins and minerals, if we have too much fat, particularly in the belly and waist area, we’re definitely at greater risk of additional health complications, which include high cholesterol levels, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes as well.

A Heightened Risk Factor For Coronary Heart Disease

Obesity is very much recognized as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, and this can lead to a higher incidence of heart attacks too. Obesity is known to lower the good cholesterol, or HDL, and it elevates blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well. Obesity can further induce the onset of diabetes too, whether type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and also elevate the body’s blood pressure levels.

Too Much Fat Harms The Blood Vessels and Heart

Obesity is a disorder that puts too much strain on the heart and blood vessels. It can also cause the formation of gall stones, as well as trigger or exacerbate degenerative joint disease. Why do people get obese? Health experts contend that it is primarily caused by the body taking in too much cholesterol, more than what is used up on physical activities, as well as on other activities of daily living. When we consume too much calories and carbohydrates, the excessive amount of saturated fat, cholesterol and trans fat clogs the blood vessels, and also raises bad cholesterol levels. This scenario is very much likely to increases the chances of you getting heart disease.

What’s The best Method For Measuring Body Fat?

Dietitians and physicians stress that the best way for measuring body fat is through measuring the circumference of the waist, as well as the body mass index, or BMI. Doctors agree that a high-risk waistline measures around 35 inches or higher, especially for women, and much higher for men. The formula for measuring the BMI assesses body weight relative to height. Body weight, in kilograms, is divided by height x height, in meters, or kg/m2. You can also multiply weight in pounds by 703, and then divide it by height x height in inches. According to the data provided by the UD Dietary Guidelines, being overweight is defined as having a BMI of 25.0 to less than 30.0. Being obese on the other hand, is defined as having a BMI of 30.0 or higher, which is consistent with the World Health Organization’s standards. A BMI of 18.6 to 24.9 is considered normal, while a BMI of 18.5 is considered underweight.

Obesity Heightens The Risk of Congestive Heart Failure

Obese individuals are more likely to develop left ventricular hypertrophy, which to some extent is related to systemic hypertension. Among obese individuals, the rate of hypertension is around three times much higher, as compared to people with normal weight. Health experts contend that when a person’s weight increases, so does the blood pressure. When weight decreases on the other hand, the blood pressure level falls as well.

How Do You Treat The Heart Risks Associated With Obesity?

In treating patients with congestive heart failure, doctors may prescribe restricting sodium intake, and small reductions in weight may also need to be done, to improve the person’s oxygenation and ventricular function. A number of studies and clinical trials have also concluded that considerable weight reduction also reduces cardiovascular morbidity. These studies have shown the beneficial effects of weight reduction on such complications like hypertension and dyslipidemia. Reducing weight also offers benefits in reducing the chances of getting coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure, and does a great deal in preventing heart diseases among obese individuals. According to the third US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES III, which was conducted from 1988 to 1991, obesity is a widespread metabolic disorder that affects 33 percent of the US population, and the numbers of the obese are rapidly rising in the developing world as well.

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Selva Sugunendran