Beyond the aesthetic, there are many reasons people wish to lose weight. For many, their physical health is a primary reason, as obesity is linked to various health conditions, including heart disease. In fact, those who are obese have a 28% higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those of a normal weight.
Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce your risk of developing these conditions. The bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are here to offer advice to those who want to improve their cardiovascular health through weight loss. We’ve helped countless patients do just that since our founding nearly 20 years ago.
How Does Obesity Contribute to Heart Disease?
While you may know obesity increases your risk of heart disease, you may not know exactly how. Being aware of these risk factors can help you make more informed and proactive decisions regarding your health. If you have any of these concerns, please share them with your primary care physician. They can provide the guidance you need to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and maintain a healthy weight.
1. Increased Cholesterol Levels
Excess weight can lead to increases in cholesterol levels. This, in turn, can lead to heart disease as plaque builds up in your arteries, narrowing them and blocking blood flow to your heart. While this can be hereditary, eating a diet low in saturated fat can help keep your cholesterol at a healthy level. You can monitor your cholesterol levels by having regular blood tests done.
2. High Blood Pressure
Those with obesity require more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to different parts of their bodies. This, in turn, causes an increase in blood pressure as your body requires more pressure to move blood around.
High blood pressure is a common cause of heart attacks. However, it can be managed through both medication and a healthy diet. You can even check your blood pressure at home with the right equipment.
3. Risk of Diabetes
Diabetes, obesity, and heart disease are closely linked. In fact, individuals who are diabetic are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than those who are not. If you have diabetes, you should also pay close attention to both your weight and cardiovascular health under the guidance of your physician.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Heart Disease?
While your personal risk of heart disease may vary depending on your genetics and lifestyle, there are ways you can reduce your risk. These include:
1. Maintaining a Healthy Weight
As obesity and heart disease are closely linked, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of such disorders. A low-fat diet can help you lose weight along with getting regular exercise. For optimal weight loss and maintenance, we recommend that most healthy adults get around 30 minutes of exercise per day.
However, if you find that diet and exercise are not helping you reach your desired weight, you may want to consider bariatric surgery. These procedures are best for those with a BMI of 30 or higher with other risk factors related to obesity. The surgeons at BMI can help you explore your options if you choose this pathway.
2. Lifestyle Changes
Beyond diet and exercise, other aspects of your lifestyle can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. These include:
- Quitting smoking
- Managing stress
- Limiting alcohol consumption
As with any lifestyle change, please consult your physician before implementing these recommendations to ensure your health and safety.
3. Manage Your Overall Health
Beyond obesity, many conditions, like diabetes, are linked to heart disease. This makes managing your overall health especially important when it comes to reducing your risk. Regularly visiting your doctor can help you keep track of your health and manage any existing conditions you may have.
Discover The Link Between Heart Health & Obesity at BMI
When you’re ready to start improving your heart health through weight loss, the experienced bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are here to help. We understand that your weight loss goals may include improving your cardiovascular health, and we can customize a plan to meet them. To learn more and start your weight loss journey today, contact us online or call us at (205) 858-1211.
Lose Weight & Improve Your Cardiovascular Health at BMI
As experts in weight loss in the state of Alabama, the Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery team understands the link between heart health and obesity. Our bariatric surgeons can provide you with the support you need to lose weight and improve your cardiovascular health, whether through surgery or lifestyle changes.
If you have specific concerns or questions about how your weight is affecting your cardiovascular health, contact us online or call us at (205) 858-1211 to schedule a consultation with us today. We would be happy to answer your questions and offer expert advice on how to improve your heart health through weight loss.
