Issues of the heart can be troublesome and life-altering. And we’re not talking about love; we’re talking about obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Obesity and severe obesity are becoming increasingly present in our modern world, giving rise to a plethora of health issues and fatalities. We analyze the worrying link between weight and heart disease and discuss some of the most common comorbidities.
The relationship between weight and heart disease
Understanding the fatal connection between obesity and cardiovascular diseases is crucial for patients. As such, it is one of the elevated causes of CVD mortality. The prevalence of obesity and morbid obesity has increased the incidence of heart failure, heart attack, and soaring blood pressure. Therefore, the importance of weight management as a means to prevent cardiopathy cannot be understated.
The statistics surrounding heart attacks, heart disease, and obesity can leave one with, well, a bit of a heavy heart. It is the main cause of 1 in 5 deaths in the USA, totalling more than 695,000 each year. Another staggering statistic warns that each year, more than 800,000 Americans are prey to heart attacks. More shocking still, a study from Johns Hopkins uncovered that each 5-point increase in BMI saw the risk of heart failure shoot by 32%. It offers a harsh and drastic insight into how much obesity increases the risk of heart disease.
How Does Obesity Cause Heart Disease?
We’ll discuss in depth the repercussions of excessive pounds in a later section.
Though heart disease is the unfortunate leader in the cause of death in the United States, the topic of good vs bad cholesterol remains misconceived, High cholesterol (also known as hyperlipidemia) is another contributor to cardio-related issues. The build-up of cholesterol in the bloodstream puts individuals at an increased risk of heart disease.
Though the development of plaque commences in childhood, it is further exacerbated by an unhealthy lifestyle: smoking, low rates of aerobic activity, etc. While diet and exercise levels aren’t the sole determinant of risk level, being overweight often correlates with an increase in low-density lipoproteins (LDP) and a decrease in “good” HDL cholesterol.
How To Know If I’m Carrying Excessive Weight
There are two primary methods that will help determine if you are a health risk. Overweight and obese diagnoses are measured using the following:
- BMI
- Waist-To-Hip-Ratio
BMI Association and Cardiovascular Disease
BMI (Body Mass Index) is the most common measure of healthy weight. Understanding obesity classes in turn helps people become aware of the gravity of cardiovascular diseases concerning body weight.
The BMI classes are as follows:
- Overweight BMI 25 – 29.9
- Obesity Class 1 30 -34.9
- Obesity Class 2 35 – 39,9
- Obesity Class 3 40 >
However, it may not always provide an accurate read for some as it does not take into account muscle mass or bone. It does not consider ethical origin, age, gender or certain morphology.
Hips Don’t Lie – Waist-to-hip Ratio
Conversely, a study by the American Diabetes Association posits that an individual’s waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is an independent risk factor for CVC-related deaths. WHR measures how much fat is stored in the waist and hip area. A significant risk of heart disease and diabetes can be indicated by a high concentration of fat in this region.
It has been inferred that particular body shapes can predict weight-related health issues. The apple shape is often indicative of abdominal obesity. A study carried out by the Women’s Health Initiative in 2017 discovered that post-menopausal women carrying excess weight around their midriff were more susceptible to cardiovascular issues. Those reporting a combination of higher BMI and WHR were at serious risk for a heart valve issue.
Interestingly, individuals with a BMI not reaching over 25 and of apple shape build were proven to be more at risk for cancer, CHD, and diseases than those with a smaller waist.
Cardiovascular Diseases Linked to Obesity and Weight Gain
Excess weight and obesity can result in CHD, hypertension, stroke, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease is triggered by a build-up of plaque in and on the walls of the heart arteries. Plaque deposits eventually result in atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing or blockage of the arteries. 80% of patients suffering from coronary heart disease weighed in overweight or obese. Smoking, age, family history, and physical inactivity are some of the main causes of CHD.
The accumulation of fatty plaque is also a contributor to a rapid heart rate. Those with obesity see a rise in their resting heart rate(RHR) due to the pressure exerted on the cardiac system.
Hypertension
Known as high blood pressure (or perhaps more sinister even still, “the silent killer”), is when the force exerted by blood on the artery walls is too high. Obesity-induced hypertension is rife, accounting for up to 75% of primary hypertension.
Stroke
Clogging and narrowing of arteries are attributed to an inflammation of excess fatty tissue. This immune cell activation is characterized by a hyper-inflammation. Additionally, obesity has been linked to sleep apnoea, diabetes, and other cardiovascular comorbidities such as high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy. Each interlinking medical issue puts the individual at a greater risk of stroke.
Myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction, (otherwise known as a heart attack) occurs when the supply of blood to the organ is severely reduced or severed. As the heart is deprived of oxygen, the muscle begins to die. Obesity demands more from the body; an increased amount of blood is required to supply oxygen, provoking a higher cardiac workload.
Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnea has been thought to increase the risk of CVDs, such as stroke, HBP, and heart failure. As oxygen levels are impacted during the night, it can damage the blood vessels. In the most severe cases, this condition can result in Sudden Cardiac Death.
How to Reduce the Risks of Cardiovascular Disease Linked to Obesity?
The classic adage “prevention is better than cure” rings true for health-related matters, Adopting a proactive approach to weight management, lifestyle curation, and being informed about medical interventions are some of the many strategies to help maintain a healthy heart.
- Healthy Diet For A Healthy Heart- A proper diet is vital for weight loss and a healthy metabolic system on the whole. Fresh fruits and vegetables, along with legumes and whole grains offer a balanced diet. Soy is considered a good food for heart health. If you’re not a big fan of taking cod liver oil, no need to worry. The American Heart Association has dubbed fish a heart-healthy food.
- Let’s Get Physical – Aerobic and resistance training are key to a healthy heart. Aerobic exercise promotes and improves circulation. The cardiac output is increased, strengthening the muscle while the risk for CVDs is decreased. Resistance training tends to have a more direct impact on body composition by enhancing muscle mass and reducing fat.
- Medical Interventions – For those struggling with morbid obesity, medical interventions such as the Spatz gastric balloon are key to kickstarting lifestyle changes. Long-term commitments such as Spatz are key to losing weight and decreasing the chance of heart disease.
Don’t Go Breaking Your Heart
Our hearts are working hard daily – beating around 100,000 and transporting oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body. The least we can do is give it a helping hand.
Following a healthy diet and exercise regime, heeding doctors’ and nutritionists’ advice, and looking into weight-loss methods such as minimally evasive gastric balloons are ways to combat obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
