Though overlooked, an individual’s weight could play a significant role in their heart health. This brief blog will examine specific reasons one’s weight can contribute to the development of heart maladies. Excess weight or obesity may increase one’s risk by
Stimulating The Onset Of Heart Failure
Medical researchers have found that overweight individuals are at an increased risk of developing heart failure. A study conducted concluded that the bodies of those with exceedingly elevated body mass indices (BMI) release increased concentrations of a chemical known as troponin T. This substance is known to be released by damaged heart cells.
Taxing The Heart Muscle
Excess weight can contribute to significant taxation of heart muscle. When the body is carrying extra weight, the heart muscle is forced to contract harder to ensure blood reaches the entire body. Over time, this circumstance can damage the heart muscle, which can eventually precipitate serious ailments like an enlarged heart and heart failure.
Fostering Higher Blood Concentrations Of Cholesterol
The excess body fat found on obese individuals often contributes to the development of high systemic concentrations of “bad cholesterol” like triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. These substances are known to collect inside the heart’s arteries, which could lead to heart attacks.
Elevating Blood Pressure
The strain excessive weight places on the heart and cardiovascular system can precipitate the onset of hypertension (high blood pressure). Blood pressure increases because the heart must expel greater force to supply the body with oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. When occurring in conjunction with other heart-disease risk factors, high blood pressure often serves as a major catalyst for heart maladies.
Leading To The Development Of Diabetes
Obese persons also possess a greater risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes occurs because the body lacks a metabolic hormone called insulin. Limited or no insulin production inhibits the body’s ability to synthesize glucose (sugar). Diabetics must either take insulin, medications or cautiously monitor their diets to regulate their glucose levels. Excess weight can upset the body’s metabolic balance, which may increase one’s chances of contracting diabetes.
Encouraging Poor Dietary Habits
In many instances, overweight or obese individuals engage in poor dietary habits. These persons often consume foods with excessive fat and sugar contents, which often contribute to the development of other risk factors like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes.