Does obesity cause heart disease and how can you reduce your risk?

CVD is an umbrella term used to describe health problems that affect the heart or blood circulation. It is also known as heart disease. It includes conditions that narrow or block the blood vessels, such as heart attacks and stroke.

CVD is on the rise. Worldwide, the number of people living with CVD nearly doubled between 1990 and 2019. CVD is a leading cause of death and a huge contributor to disability and rising healthcare costs. There is a proven link between obesity and CVD. Put simply, living with obesity can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

You may already be aware that obesity can lead to the development of conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. However, you may not have realized that these are all significant risk factors for CVD—if left untreated, they can potentially cause heart disease.

Why? Carrying excess weight can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply blood to your organs. This condition is called atherosclerosis. When the arteries supplying blood to the heart become damaged or blocked, it can result in events like a heart attack. If this occurs in the arteries leading to the brain, it can cause things like a stroke.

The reality is that people living with overweight or obesity are at a greater risk of a CVD event. On a more positive note, most people can reduce their risk by making changes to their lifestyle.

The good news is that making relatively small changes can help to reduce the risk of CVD. In fact, you may already be making some of these choices.

• Improving your diet. The foods you eat affect your health. Small healthy changes in your daily routine can decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Keeping your weight in a healthy range. Even modest reductions in your weight can have a positive effect in terms of reducing the risk of CVD.
• Moving more. Being physically active is good for your heart and brain. People who are not active have double the risk of heart disease and stroke as well as increased risk of diabetes, cancer, and dementia.
• Not smoking. Smoking triples the risk of dying from heart disease and stroke in middle-aged men and women. Quitting is one of the best things you can do to prevent heart disease and stroke.
• Drinking less alcohol. Heavy drinking and binge drinking are risk factors for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

The sooner you start making changes, the better. The first step is to talk to your doctor.

• Make a list of any questions and take notes during the appointment. Consider taking a friend or family member along for support.
• Explain that you are aware of the link between obesity and heart disease and concerned that you may be at risk. Ask what specific steps you can take to reduce your risk.
• If you are struggling to control your weight, explain that you need support.
• Be honest. There is no point pretending that everything is okay if you are finding it difficult to cope.
• If you do not understand something, say so! It is important to be clear about what you are being advised to do.

Depending on your individual circumstances, your doctor may discuss a range of different strategies.

You don’t have to face this alone. Support is available.

Check out the other articles on this website, many of which contain information on ways to protect your health.

You are more likely to succeed in controlling your weight if you can find a doctor who specializes in helping people living with obesity.