The benefits of losing weight go far beyond looking good in a swimsuit. Carrying excess weight places a significant strain on nearly every system in your body, including your heart. If you’re concerned about your heart health — and everyone should be — shedding a few pounds is a simple solution that can improve and protect your heart health for years to come.
Cardiovascular physician Majed Chane, MD, leads the team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists in Huntington Beach, California, where we provide comprehensive cardiovascular care. Our team works closely with you to develop the right treatment plan to address your needs and keep your heart as healthy as possible.
Whether or not you have a chronic condition that impacts your heart, if you’re overweight, losing even a modest amount of weight is proven to boost heart health.
When it comes to heart health, many people know that things like smoking and having high cholesterol put your heart health at risk. However, fewer people are aware of the danger that extra pounds pose to your heart.
If you’re overweight, you’re more likely to develop chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which greatly raise the chances of developing heart disease. Overweight and obesity is an independent risk factor for heart trouble.
Heart failure happens when your heart can no longer keep up with your body’s demand. While several factors can increase the chances of developing heart failure, obesity is a risk factor by itself. Even if you don’t have high blood pressure or diabetes, carrying too much weight puts you at risk for heart failure.
Damaged heart muscle cells release an enzyme called troponin T. This enzyme is often used to check for damage when doctors suspect a heart attack. A new, more sensitive test can measure troponin at lower levels, providing insight into the impact of overweight and obesity on heart health.
When researchers checked troponin levels in overweight people, they found that people who had a BMI of 35 and higher were most likely to develop heart failure. What’s more, people who were obese and had elevated troponin levels were nine times more likely to develop heart failure.
The good news is that research shows you don’t need to lose a tremendous amount of weight to reap heart-boosting benefits. Losing just 10% of your body weight improves your heart’s pumping ability, reduces thickness of your heart’s walls, and improves your heart’s ability to relax.
What’s more, the benefits continue even after you stop losing weight, or if you regain a few pounds. If you weigh 200 pounds, that’s a weight loss of just 20 pounds to reap major heart health benefits.
Being overweight is bad news for your heart and your overall health. If you’re carrying extra pounds, make it a top priority to slim down. Losing weight lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, and helps strengthen and keep your heart strong.
If you’re concerned about your heart health, visit Dr. Chane for a heart health evaluation. You don’t have to wait until you have heart trouble to start taking care of your heart. A heart health evaluation provides insight into how well your heart is working as well as any potential risks. Knowing where you stand gives you the knowledge you need to take action.
Get started today. Call our Huntington Beach, California, office and speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members to schedule a visit with Dr. Chane. You can also request an appointment online. Your heart will thank you.
