Obesity is a growing global health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is defined as having excess body fat that can lead to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease. This refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. Below, a cardiologist in Newtown has discussed the link between obesity and cardiovascular disease.
The connection between obesity and cardiovascular disease
According to a heart specialist, obese people have excess weight that puts a strain on their heart and blood vessels, increasing their risk of developing various conditions.
Obesity also causes high blood pressure, which contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. Excess weight puts pressure on the arteries. This, in turn, leads to high blood pressure, which can damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
This condition increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, another significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes less efficient at using insulin, which can lead to high blood sugar levels. These further cause damage to the blood vessels and put you at risk of developing heart conditions, says a doctor from the best heart clinic.
In addition to high blood pressure and diabetes, obesity can also lead to high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in the blood and can build up in the arteries, leading to blockages that can cause heart attacks and strokes. Obesity can cause the body to produce more cholesterol and reduce the body’s ability to remove it, increasing the risk of heart disease.
As per a top cardiologist, it also causes sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. Sleep apnea can also cause the body to produce stress hormones, which can damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.
Finally, obesity can also cause inflammation in the body, which can damage the arteries and leads to heart disease. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection and can cause the arteries to become narrower, making it difficult for blood to flow.
Obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It can increase the risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions and improve overall cardiovascular health.
