How Obesity And Overweight Is Linked To Hypertension Causing Heart Issues

Did you know? Being overweight or obese can raise the risk of fatal conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes that can further raise the risk of heart disease. Hence, you will have to lose weight, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise daily to take care of your heart.

Are you obese or overweight? Then, you need to be cautious and try to cut down those excess kilos as it can be troublesome for the heart. Yes, you have heard it right! Obesity and overweight are associated with cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease and stroke). Are you aware? Obesity also leads to high blood lipids, especially high triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension and an enlarged left ventricle (left ventricular hypertrophy), causing heart failure. Moreover, being overweight also leads to heart injury. Even heart failure is commonly seen in the ones who are obese or overweight. Likewise, overweight or obesity problems can lead to many serious health conditions like a heart attack, stroke. If you are obese or overweight then the fatty deposits in the arteries (the blood vessels that carry blood to your organs), get damaged and clogged and one can get a heart attack. Obesity leads to atrial fibrillation, a rapid irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) of the upper chambers (atria) of the heart that can promote the formation of blood clots, enlargement of the heart, which could be from untreated hypertension.

What can you do to keep your heart healthy?

•Weight loss: That’s one of the best options to reduce heart failure down the road. It is a potent solution to avoid not only heart problems but even other issues. You can also follow a well-balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid junk, processed, oily, and canned foods that can cause high-calorie consumption. Say no to foods with trans and saturated fats. Do not have any sugary drinks like colas, sodas, sweets, and desserts. Do not smoke and drink alcohol. Read food labels regarding calories before buying any food items and practice portion control.

•Timely assessment: If you are obese then it is imperative for you to go for cardiac screening from time to time. You will also have to be aware of your BMI, blood pressure levels, blood sugar, and cholesterol. A BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher indicates the person is obese. So, you need to be attentive and take charge of your health.

•Watch out for the signs of heart failure such as fatigue, breathlessness, and an irregular heartbeat. Don’t ignore them at all.

Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre

Guest Author The author is a Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai.