Heart disease modifiable risk factors - obesity

    Heart disease modifiable risk factors - obesity
   

Excess body fat, particularly the accumulation of body fat around the waist increases the risk for heart disease. Obesity, defined as a body mass index above 30, is a strong predictor of CVD.

Excess body weight increases the external work for the heart, resulting in an increase in BP, blood cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Excess body weight also lowers HDL cholesterol levels and increases the incidence of diabetes. Even a moderate weight reduction can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Review Date:7/14/2024
Reviewed By:Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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