It’s no news that America has a weight problem with nearly 70 percent of U.S. citizens being overweight or obese. More than one-third (about 35 percent) of Americans are obese (78 million adults) with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. When your weight is in a healthy range:
- Your body circulates blood more efficiently
- Your fluid levels are more easily managed
- You are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, high triglycerides, heart disease, certain cancers and sleep apnea
What Causes Heart Disease with Obesity?
The opposite happens when you are overweight. Obesity has a direct affect on the heart and the development of coronary heart disease, in the following ways:
- Boosts LDL or “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Elevated LDL cholesterol results in the formation of plaque in the arteries that can lead to a heart attack.
- Raises your blood pressure.
- Increases how hard your heart has to work.
- Causes Type 2 diabetes, which increases the chance of heart attack.
- Lowers "good" HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is linked with lower heart disease and stroke risk, so low HDL cholesterol tends to raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Additionally, obese patients with apple-shaped bodies are at higher risk for heart disease. Visceral fat, a deeper layer of adipose tissue, cushions your abdominal organs and gives you a big belly or “spare tire.” Visceral fat is linked to these health conditions:
- Elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels
- Higher levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol
- Lower levels of HDL “good” cholesterol
How to Prevent Heart Disease and Obesity
But there is good news. Studies link weight loss with dramatic improvements in heart function. More extensive weight loss with bariatric surgery can lower both your cardiovascular risk and your risk of early death. These studies also found that weight loss reduces the risk of hypertension, elevated cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and congestive heart failure, and potentially prevents heart disease in those who were previously obese.
Sources
American Heart Association: Obesity Information.
Circulation: Obesity and Heart Disease.