Weight Fluctuations Impact Heart Health, Warns Cardiologist
Weight and heart health are closely linked, with both underweight and overweight conditions posing risks. A cardiologist, Dr. Steven Nissen, highlights that even small weight changes can impact the heart.
Carrying excess weight, especially around the abdomen, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease due to associated conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and inflammation. BMI is the most common measure, but it's imprecise for individuals. Knowing body fat percentage, using methods like the Body Adiposity Index (BAI) alongside BMI, can provide a better understanding of heart health risks. Notably, a 5-pound gain or loss can significantly affect heart health.
Underweight and severe underweight individuals also face heart health risks. Studies show that people with underweight who have heart disease are more likely to die than those with a normal BMI. Genetic and metabolic factors further complicate the relationship between weight and heart health, with some people being predisposed to obesity with a low risk of related conditions.
Weight management, even in modest amounts (5-6 pounds or 2-5% of body weight), can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, raising 'good' cholesterol, and reducing triglycerides. Regular monitoring of body fat percentage, along with BMI, can help assess heart health risks more accurately. Both underweight and overweight conditions warrant attention to maintain optimal heart health.
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