Is Your Weight a Problem for Your Heart?

Do you want to know if you’re at risk for heart disease? Whether you like it or not, getting on the scale is one of the best ways to find out. You are not alone if you are dissatisfied with the results of the scale. Americans are bigger and less active than ever before, despite our cultural fixation with thinness. Over half of us are overweight, and it’s not just about self-esteem. Even a few additional pounds might be detrimental to your heart.

If you’re on the heavier side, you have the ability to mitigate much of the danger. You may give your heart a well-deserved rest by decreasing weight.

How much weight is excessive?

The following is a list of predictions that show how extra fat and weight might harm one’s heart:

Excess weight indicates an elevated amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body, both of which are markers of excess fat in the circulation.

An increased amount of fat in the bloodstream increases the chance of producing clots and blockages in arteries, which limit blood flow to the heart.

Visceral fat, or fat found beneath a muscle and largely surrounding internal organs, raises the risk of metabolic diseases, especially in women. High visceral fat around the waist has been linked to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance, all of which can contribute to heart disease.

Obesity and stroke

Obesity raises a person’s risk of having a stroke.

• Increased blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke result from excess weight or physical inactivity.
• Obese people are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, stroke, and irregular heartbeats.
• Obesity and metabolic diseases like diabetes are inextricably connected. An obese person with diabetes is more likely to have a stroke.
• Obesity in youngsters raises the long-term risk of chronic illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
• Obese people are more likely to develop ventricular hypertrophy or left-sided heart enlargement. High blood pressure and a strain on the heart cause this disorder.

How can you tell whether you have a higher risk of heart disease?

Two metrics are used to see if someone’s present weight is connected to a higher risk of heart disease.

These include

Body mass index (BMI)

Waist circumference

Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is used as a standard indication to determine whether or not an adult is at a healthy weight. BMI is a mathematical formula that determines obesity by taking a person’s height and weight into account.

Body mass index (BMI) = Weight (kg)/Height (m)

 Underweight(BMI below 18.5)

 Normal(BMI 18.5 – 24.9)

 Overweight (BMI 25.0 – 29.9) 

 Obesity If BMI 30.0 and above

Waist Measurement

The waist circumference of a person is measured directly above the belly button. It accurately predicts abdominal obesity, a risk factor for heart disease. A waist more than 40 inches in males and 35 inches in women. It increases the risk of heart disease.

Keeping a healthy heart requires weight management.

Even a slight reduction in excess body weight can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Weight loss that leads to appropriate body weight lowers the BMI and returns it to a normal range. Weight loss has been linked to lower blood pressure, a better lipid or cholesterol profile, and a lower risk of diabetes.

Individuals may control their weight for a healthier heart in two ways:

Physical exercise

Thirty minutes of exercise five times a week can help to maintain physical fitness, lose weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Diet

Changing your eating habits including more nutritious foods can benefit your healthy heart. It helps to lose weight.

A dietician can construct a dietary plan for a person depending on their current weight and health. Small efforts can be taken, such as avoiding sugar, simple carbs such as white bread, rice, and pasta, and saturated fats like cream and butter. Maintaining a healthy weight and heart requires a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as whole-wheat bread, whole cereals, and brown rice.

If you have a cardiac ailment, consult your cardiologist right away or visit our list of the Best Cardiologist in India.