The association of obesity with so many diseases reflects the lethal nature of obesity on the human body. Earlier obesity was not a health concern but has recently gained attention due to its high prevalence and health risks.
Obesity in brief
Obesity in a simple language is accumulation of fats in all parts of the body. The accumulated fats are nothing but deposit of adipose tissues. These fatty tissues are the cause of all the associated risk factors.
Body fat is estimated through body mass index, waistline measurement, skinfold measurement. All these helps to estimate the body fat percentage.
The overall fat deposits especially around the waistline or in the midsection of the body is a risk factor for development of heart diseases.
Life goes on till the heart beats, then why not keep our heart protected from illness. Let it not take the extra effort to pump the blood throughout the body. What happens when a machine has to work beyond its capacity or if it does not function well due to less lubricant. The wear and tear of the machine is obvious to occur, this does not allow it to perform the way it should. Same happens with the heart and all the organ systems in the body.
Cardiac disease or heart disease includes all the conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels of the heart. Even a slight defect can have dangerous life-threatening consequences.
The fat deposits in the blood vessels cause obstruction for blood to flow and this results in extra pressure on the heart. This is the most common cause of cardiac disease that may result in heart attacks, heart failure, irregular heartbeat and strokes.
Cardiac diseases related to obesity
The health of the heart and your body weight are closely linked. An obese body has more chances of developing heart diseases. The risk increases if a major part of fat is around the abdominal area.
Obesity being a risk factor of cardiac disease is ignored at times. Weight gain affects the heart in direct and many indirect ways. Indirect impact on heart, caused by obesity, includes high blood pressure, inflammation, raised blood sugar level and sleep disturbance.
Cardiac disease in the long term can be lethal and is known to be a leading cause of death. Obesity can alone cause risk factors for heart diseases. Excess fat deposits in the body results in type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure thus making a body more inclined towards cardiovascular heart diseases.
Obesity along with heart disease is dangerous. It is one of the important risk factors for the number of deaths and associated health risks. Some of the common cardiac disease due to excess fat is as follows-
Coronary artery diseases- there are deposits of cholesterol in the blood vessels of the heart and it is commonly found in people with abdominal fat deposits.
Irregular heart beat is closely related to fat deposits and at times results in heart failure.
Heart failure – it occurs due to immense pressure on the heart to pump harder. When the heart overworks for a long period of time it gives up and results in heart failure.
Effect of obesity on circulatory system
The ability of the heart to pump the blood is not directly proportional to the fat deposit in the body. With increase in fat deposits there is more pressure on the heart and it has to pump hard to supply oxygen rich blood throughout the body. The prolonged pressure on the heart enlarges the heart chambers and affects the heart muscles.
Obesity has a direct effect on the heart muscles. The tissues in the heart are replaced by the fat cells which may secrete fat molecules and affect the functioning of the heart.
Diagnosis of heart disease
Diagnosis of heart disease depends upon the condition of an individual. The doctor may ask you for blood test, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), echo test, computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment of cardiac disease related to obesity
The first line of treatment includes adopting a healthy lifestyle and a proper diet plan that works for weight loss. Through managing your weight, it is possible to prevent heart disease and associated risks. People who are already in higher BMI range must set a goal towards gradual loss of extra pounds. Consult your health care provider for better guidance.
Some of the weight loss plans have been successful in helping people reduce extra weight. It is beneficial in a way to provide a customized diet plan, helps you to alter the lifestyle and keeps you motivated with constant support and supervision.
Dietary habits – it is a key for prevention and development of the disease. The major reason for the rise in obesity and high cholesterol level affecting the heart, is the choice of food made. The food to be eaten should meet the calorie requirement but not exceed the need. People are moving from plant-based food to animal-based diet and this acts as a fuel for heart disease and obesity.
Consume food that is low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Add fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fat, whole grains and nuts in your diet and keep the hearts risks and obesity at bay.
Lifestyle modification- sedentary lifestyle, stress, work culture, environmental factors etc all contribute in adding extra pounds to the body and causing heart disease. One must stop smoking, control blood sugar level, manage stress, stay away from infectious diseases, manage your depression, stay active and choose healthy food to maintain healthy weight
Medication- your healthcare provider will prescribe medicines depending upon the condition and type of cardiac disease.
Surgery- when medication and lifestyle modifications do not work, the consultant may recommend specific surgery. The type of surgery depends upon the type of heart disease and how severely the heart is damaged.
Obesity being one of the leading causes of health issues has adverse effects on the overall function of the heart. It is not easy to manage weight but a customized weight loss plan under professional guidance will lead to outcomes that will benefit your health. Thus the obesity related heart problems can be managed by shedding the extra weight and maintaining the ideal BMI helps in keeping the heart disease and related diseases off the shore.