How Does Obesity Cause Heart Disease? | Bradenton Surgical Group

According to the American Heart Association, obesity is the number-one indicator that you may be at risk for heart disease. How does carrying excess weight affect your heart?

The exact reasons behind the correlation between obesity and heart disease aren’t yet clear. What we do know is that people often become obese as a result of consuming large amounts of cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat, which can be damaging to the heart. Extensive research has also shown that obese people are much more likely to suffer from increased blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lower levels of HDL cholesterol, the “good” or healthy cholesterol. Cholesterol levels can have a direct effect on how the heart functions. High blood pressure is also a side effect of obesity, and it can increase your risk for heart problems.

Being obese can also lead to other diseases, such as diabetes. The complications of diabetes may negatively impact the health of your heart.

How do you know if you’re at risk for heart disease?

Women whose waistlines exceed 35 inches are considered to be at high risk for obesity and heart disease. Men are considered at-risk when their waistlines exceed 40 inches. In addition to keeping an eye on your waist, being aware of your body mass index, or BMI, can also alert you to potential health problems. A BMI between 18 and 25 is considered normal, while a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese and indicates a risk for heart complications.