Obesity and Heart Disease
Exploring the Ling Between Obesity and Heart Disease
There are numerous connections between obesity and heart disease, none of which should be taken lightly. Although many of the links between obesity and heart disease are indirect, there is growing evidence that the two may be more directly linked than once thought.
Increased Blood Pressure
One of the connections between obesity and heart disease is the increase in blood pressure obesity commonly causes. Women in particular tend to have an elevated blood pressure when gaining weight, though men are also at risk. Individuals with central obesity, otherwise known as the “apple shape,” are also more likely to develop blood pressure than those who are “pear shaped” and have most of their fat in their thighs and hips. Overall, obese individuals are three times more likely to develop hypertension than individuals who are not overweight.
High Cholesterol
Individuals who are obese also tend to have higher cholesterol, otherwise known as hypercholesterolemia. These high cholesterol levels cause the arteries to harden and become less effective. As a result, blood cannot circulate properly and undue pressure and stress is placed on the heart.
Heart Attacks
A study conducted by Nurses Health found that women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 29 were 3-4 times as likely to develop coronary artery disease, which directly relates to an increased likelihood of having a heart attack. In fact, a Finnish study found that every 2.2 pounds of weight gain increased a person’s risk of dying from coronary artery disease by 1%. Furthermore, those individuals who have already had a heart attack are more likely to have a second heart attack if they are obese.
Congestive Heart Failure
The connection between obesity and heart disease continues with congestive heart failure (CHF), also known as congestive cardiac failure (CCF) or simply as heart failure. When this condition occurs, the person’s heart is unable to fill properly or to pump adequate amounts of blood. This condition can be difficult to diagnose, yet can be fatal over time.
Enlarged Heart
Individuals who are obese are also at a greater risk of developing an enlarged heard, which is medically known as cardiomegaly. Although cardiomegaly is not always a bad condition – in fact, some athletes develop large hearts as a result of their training–it’s generally considered to be a health risk, particularly in those who are obese. Often, the enlarged heart develops as a result of the obesity because the heart has been forced to work extra hard. Ironically, the fact that the heart is enlarged also makes it have to work harder to properly pump blood. And eventually a vicious cycle develops.
Cardiac Arrhythmia
Cardiac arrhythmia, sometimes also called cardiac dysrhythmia, is another condition that connects obesity and heart disease. With this condition, the heart displays irregular muscle contractions which may be either too fast or too slow. A cardiac arrhythmias can be life threatening and can require emergency medical attention as it may lead to cardiac arrest.
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Left ventricular hypertrophy, which is associated with systemic hypertension, is a common occurrence in obese individuals. The disorder can, however, occur without the presence of hypertension.
Cor Pulmonale
Obese individuals are also more likely to develop cor pulmonale. With this disease, the right ventricle of the heart no longer functions correctly. It usually develops as a result of a respiratory disorder, which can be brought on by obesity. The changes in the heart are caused by dilation, or stretching, within the heart. This results from increased pressure. If cor pulmonale is not treated, the right portion of the heart can fail completely and death can result.
Sleep Apnea
Obese individuals are also more likely to develop sleep apnea, which can put excessive stress on the right heart. This can lead to right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary hypertension. Ultimately, it can cause the heart to fail completely.
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the artery within the lungs that is brought on by excessive fat, though it can also be caused by a blood clot, clumped tumor cells, or air. An embolism caused by a blood clot is referred to as a thromboembolism, which is the most common type. Although the condition is caused less often by fat, it is possible.
Regardless of the underlying cause, symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include pain and difficulty while breathing. Symptoms also include general circulatory instability and death.
The relationship between obesity and heart disease was always viewed as indirect in the past. Today, researchers have found that the relationship is more direct. In fact, only a slight increase in BMI can significantly increase a person’s chances of developing heart disease. Middle aged women who had a BMI of greater than 23 yet still less than 25 have been found to have a 50% greater chance of developing heart disease. And men between the ages of 40 and 65 with a BMI of more than 25 and less than 29 had a disturbing 72% greater likelihood of developing heart disease.
About the Author
Dr. Edward F. Group III is the founder of Global Healing Center, Inc. He continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions. For more information, please visit www.slimirex.com and www.weightlossobesity.com.