Obesity continues to be a serious health epidemic in the United States. It has also been found to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other heart-related conditions, such as heart attack and stroke. Visceral fat is the excess weight that develops around the center of the body. Visceral fat, specifically, has been shown to raise blood pressure, increase cholesterol levels, and heighten the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, even small amounts of weight loss have been shown to decrease a person’s risk of developing several heart conditions.
The Impact of Weight Loss on the Heart:
- Improved Metabolic Function - losing weight can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Obesity’s link to diabetes is strong and diabetics are several times more likely to develop heart disease.
- Improved Hypertension/High Blood Pressure - hypertension is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. Losing weight reduces this force and the overall workload of the heart, allowing a person's resting heart rate to decrease. This diminishes the risk of heart failure
- Improved Artery/Vessel Function - losing weight can lessen the fatty material and plaque build up within the coronary arteries. It also allows heart tissue and blood vessel walls to thin. If arteries become damaged or clogged, it can often lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet can go a long way in diminishing a person’s cardiovascular risk. However, for many, diet and exercise improvements may not be enough. Bariatric surgery and/or weight loss medications may be necessary to accomplish necessary weight loss. Both the bariatric surgery and medication route have been shown to also improve cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, therefore decreasing cardiovascular risk. Maintaining a proper diet and exercise routine post weight loss intervention is essential to sustain a strong and healthy heart.
If you are ready to take care of your waistline and your heart, contact Dr. Vohra and his team at New York Bariatrics and Laparoscopy! We would just love to help you begin your weight loss, heart-healthy journey today!
If you are ready to take care of your waistline and your heart, contact Dr. Vohra and his team at New York Bariatrics and Laparoscopy! We would just love to help you begin your weight loss, heart-healthy journey today!
