So how do you know if you are obese? There are two critical parameters used to determine if your weight is linked to increased risk of heart disease. These are: body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. BMI is calculated from a person’s height and weight and a count above 30 usually confirms obesity. Similarly, risk of heart disease is higher in men with a waist circumference (measured just above the navel) of more than 40 inches and among women, above 35 inches.
Obesity is associated with a clutch of risk factors for cardiovascular disease including: High
blood cholesterol, particularly triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, high blood
pressure, type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (a group of heart disease
risk factors increasing chances of developing heart disease, stroke and
diabetes). Obese and
overweight people often have an enlarged left ventricle (left ventricular
hypertrophy), thus running the risk of heart failure.
Heart
disorders linked to obesity
A bunch of heart
problems are related to obesity:
CAD or coronary artery disease: Obesity
is a serious risk factor for coronary artery disease, caused by buildup of
cholesterol plaque in the arteries of the heart. Those who are overweight
around the abdomen run a greater risk of CAD, which hampers blood flow to the
heart.
Heart failure: Obesity
is also linked to heart failure even if there’s no evidence of CAD. It is
understood that obese individuals might have larger volumes of blood in their
systems, forcing the heart to pump harder, which can lead to heart failure. The
other link is sleep apnea, which causes pauses in breathing
during sleep and a spike in blood pressure that can trigger a heart failure.
Atrial fibrillation: Research
shows that obesity is also a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, an abnormal
heart rhythm often seen in heart failure.
Sudden cardiac death: Obese
individuals are also said to run a higher risk of sudden cardiac death, even those
without any CAD, heart failure, or other heart issues.
Hidden inflammation: Obesity can trigger
inflammatory processes that damage your cardiovascular system, leading to
structural/functional changes in the heart.
Mitigating steps:
The mantra is: Watch your weight, lower the risk of heart
disease. Remember, even if you don’t have diabetes or
hypertension, those extra kilograms could be harming your heart silently.
Start
a regimen to lose or control your weight. Exercise
regularly and eat healthy. It will reduce chances of heart failure down
the road.
Know
your risk factors for heart disease. Get
your critical parameters like BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar and lipids
evaluated regularly.
Watch
out for signs of heart failure if you are obese. You
might feel unexplained fatigue, breathlessness and an irregular heartbeat.
Remember
that every kilo shed helps. Research
reveals that for every 5-point increase in BMI, risk of heart failure rises
by 32 per cent.
Sometimes, all these lifestyle modifications may not be enough to
lose weight. For such individuals, the doctor might advise bariatric surgery.
At Medica our Heart care unit with comprehensive facilities provides multi-disciplinary treatment and care for obesity related heart problems.
It was an excellent experience after staying three nights at Medica. I will be visiting this hospital if needed and also refer others
Mr.S. Majumdar
All staffs are very cooperative. A place of care, peace – home like feeling. Thanks Medica
Ms.Chowdhury
Entire management and staff of the hospital are hard working. Keep it up
Mr. Duru
All staff members are very nice and friendly
Mr. S Sethi
I am a retired employee of Coal India Ltd. My company has tied up with your hospital along with other hospitals all over India. But I have chosen Medica as your service is good