What Is Obesity?
Obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat. It is a condition in which a person gains a lot of weight, mostly because of fat accumulation, often for no evident reason. People with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more are considered overweight, and those with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese.
Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases Overview
The three ways in which obesity causes heart disease are described in the following.
1.Increased Inflammation:
Obesity causes low-level chronic inflammation throughout the body, in the heart and blood vessels. Chronic inflammation can increase the risk of heart disease by promoting plaque buildup in the arteries. This plaque can narrow the arteries and limit blood flow, thus increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Inflammation associated with obesity can also lead to stress, which damages cells and contributes to the development of heart disease.
2.High Blood Pressure:
Excess body weight stresses the heart and blood vessels, leading to elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease, as it causes the heart to work harder to pump blood and can damage the blood vessels over time. Obesity also contributes to insulin resistance, increasing blood pressure and promoting heart disease. In addition, individuals with obesity are more likely to have added risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, which can compound the effects of high blood pressure.
3.High Cholesterol:
Obesity is associated with high levels of ‘bad’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low levels of ‘good’ high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, narrow the arteries and limit blood flow. This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. LDL cholesterol is the primary type of cholesterol that forms plaques in the arteries, whereas HDL cholesterol helps remove it. When the LDL cholesterol levels are high and HDL cholesterol levels are low, it increases the risk of heart disease. Obesity can also increase the production of a type of fat called triglycerides, which can further contribute to high cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Obesity and Other Diseases
In addition to the three abovementioned factors, obesity contributes to other risk factors for heart disease, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and physical inactivity. These conditions can further increase the risk of heart disease and make it more difficult to manage.
Ischemic heart disease is a type of heart disease that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is restricted, usually due to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for ischemic heart disease.
Types of obesity and its complications | Obesity – Questions and Answers
Rheumatic heart disease is a type of heart disease caused by rheumatic fever, a complication of streptococcal infections. However, obesity is a risk factor for streptococcal infections and other health conditions that can increase the risk of developing rheumatic heart disease.
Congenital heart disease is a type of heart disease that is present at birth. Obesity has not been linked directly to the development of congenital heart disease. However, obesity can increase the risk of developing secondary heart problems in individuals with congenital heart disease, such as heart failure.
Therefore, while obesity is not directly linked to rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart disease, it can increase the risk of other conditions contributing to its development and make it more difficult to manage.
Therefore, individuals with congenital heart disease and rheumatic heart disease need to consult their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their needs.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
The symptoms of heart disease in individuals with obesity may vary but usually include the following:
- Chest pain or discomfort: This may feel like pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the centre or left side of the chest.
- Shortness of breath: This may occur during physical activity or even at rest and can be a sign of heart failure or other heart problems.
- Fatigue: This can be a sign of heart disease, mainly if it occurs during physical activity or is accompanied by shortness of breath or chest discomfort.
- Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet: This can be a sign of heart failure or other heart problems and may be more pronounced in individuals with obesity.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat: This can be a sign of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat and can be a sign of heart disease.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: This can be a sign of heart disease, mainly if it occurs during physical activity or is accompanied by chest discomfort or shortness of breath.
It is essential for individuals with obesity to be aware of these symptoms and to seek medical attention if they experience any of them.
Obesity and excess weight are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular illnesses. By maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in physical activity and following a heart-healthy diet, individuals can reduce their risk of developing heart disease and other obesity-related health problems.
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FAQs related Obesity and Heart Disease
1. Does obesity always lead to heart disease?
No, obesity does not always cause cardiac issues. However, it is one of the leading causes of cardiac diseases worldwide.
2. How can I improve my cardiac health?
Good sleep, a low-stress lifestyle, a healthy diet inclusive of fruits and vegetables, and regular exercise (at least 30 min every day for 5 days a week) are some of the many steps you can take to improve your cardiac health.
3. Should we avoid fats to maintain a healthy body weight?
No. Avoiding junk food, such as fried food, which is high in saturated fats, is necessary to maintain a healthy body weight. You can opt for healthier sources of fat, such as nuts and seeds.
