The link between Obesity and Heart Attack
It’s no secret that obesity can adversely affect the health of your heart. Moreover, there’s a lot of research done to support these claims. For example, a study conducted on adults between 40 and 59 years of age revealed that overweight or obese people are at higher risk of developing heart problems compared to normal-weight people.
Along with heart problems, obesity can increase the risk of various other health complications, such as diabetes and certain cancers.
If body mass index (BMI) is between 25 and 30, then a person is said to be overweight, and if the BMI is 30 or higher, then a person is said to be obese. Even if you are young but obese, then you are at greater risk of developing heart problems. According to researchers, people who are obese have poor quality of life.
Obesity and heart disease are related in a complicated way. Obesity can directly impact your heart (structural or functional changes in the heart) and can trigger many other conditions (triggers inflammatory reactions that may damage your cardiovascular system), which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Being overweight or obese can develop various conditions that put your heart at risk.
Hypertension, cholesterol abnormalities, and type 2 diabetes are the major obesity-related conditions that put your heart at risk. Being overweight might lead to metabolic syndrome, a group of cardiovascular risk factors that include:
- High blood pressure
- Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels
- High triglyceride levels
- High blood sugar levels
- Large waist circumference (in women 35 inches or more and in men 40 inches or more)
Excess weight forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, which may result in high blood pressure. Obesity also increases the risk of developing high cholesterol levels, which build up plaque in the arteries. This high blood pressure can irritate the plaque, rupture it, and form blood clots, which can trigger a heart attack.
Being overweight or obese also increases the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (fragmented night’s sleep). People with this condition are also at risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Obesity has inflammatory factors, which may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis and accumulation of plaque in the artery walls. Over time, these hardened plaque deposits may rupture and lead to heart attacks.
Obesity can alter the functions of your heart, which may lead to atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). This may result in the formation of blood clots and various other heart problems, such as stroke, heart failure, etc. In addition, heart enlargement could lead to untreated hypertension.
It is evident that extra weight puts your heart under pressure, especially during the relaxation phase (diastole). Excess belly fat also increases the risk of inflammation and levels of triglycerides, which can cause plaque rupturing.
Act right away to lose extra weight.
However, if you lose excess weight by any means and maintain it, you can reduce the risk of developing heart problems. Losing weight, even slightly, can improve blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and control blood sugar.
If you are obese or overweight, the first step you should take is to talk to an expert weight loss doctor. They can guide you to lose your extra weight safely and effectively. Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best bariatric surgeons in Hyderabad, is an expert in developing a tailored weight loss plan which includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other necessary lifestyle changes. If these non-surgical approaches are ineffective, he may suggest undergoing weight loss surgery, which is the last and most successful option for losing weight.
Remember, protecting your heart and overall health is as important as transforming your body while taking steps towards your weight loss journey. Make healthy choices so that you can achieve your weightloss goals.
Don’t risk your heart health! If you’re obese and concerned about your heart health, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, the best weight loss surgeon, for personalized guidance. Call us now at +91 91777 77715 to book your appointment!
