cardiovascular disease

As more of our population become obese and overweight, obesity diseases become much more prevalent. Heart disease is one such disease, and here I explain what it is, why it affects the overweight, symptoms and prevention.

What is it?
Heart disease is an umbrella term used to describe a range of diseases affecting the heart and, in some cases, blood vessels.  The diseases that fall under this broad term include: cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, congenital heart defects, etc.

The damaging effect of heart disease is severe, it’s the number one killer of men and women.  According to the Mayo Clinic website, it’s responsible for 40% of all the deaths in the U.S., which is more than all forms of cancer combined.

Why is it affected by obesity/overweight?
Abdominal fat is a predictor of risk for obesity-related diseases.  Overeating and physical inactivity is a deadly combination when it comes to your health.  A poor diet high in fat, salt, and cholesterol (which is a common diet in obese/overweight individuals) can and does contribute to the development of heart disease.  The rate of obesity is significantly high in the U.S., thus is of concern to health professionals because of its implications on American’s health.

When we think of smokers, most non-smokers think about the elementary fact that they are at a serious risk of premature death. And often, people scoff at the behavior as being careless, which usually begins in the impressionable teenage years. But research now shows that it’s not any more dangerous (or frivolous) for young adults to smoke than it is to be overweight.

Dr. Martin Neovius of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden and his colleagues stressed that since overweight and smoking are both associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, that if young adults fall in either category, they are at risk of an early death. Although the pathogenic mechanisms differ, he said, a synergistic effect of smoking and obesity may be possible.

The researchers found that obesity and being overweight in late adolescence increased mortality risk, regardless of whether or not they also smoked.

Researchers concluded that “overweight, obesity, and smoking among adolescents might be good targets for intensified public health initiatives.”

(via: MedPage Today)