The Link Between Heart Disease and Weight

Heart disease is one of the major killers of both men and women, especially those over forty. There are lots of factors that contribute to your chances of developing heart disease, including heredity and congenital defects. These obviously can't be changed, but you can control your weight, and weight is a contributing factor that influences your chances of developing heart disease as you age.

Being overweight increases your chances of contracting heart disease because carrying that excess weight around puts an increased strain on the heart and arteries. It also raises your blood cholesterol levels and can contribute to high blood pressure and even diabetes. All of these conditions mean you are more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, angina or blood clot. Heart Disease

Since there is such an obvious link between weight and heart disease, it should certainly
motivate you to lose those extra pounds. If you carry most of your extra weight around your middle (the "spare tire" syndrome) rather than on your hips you are at even greater risk, although scientists haven't yet determined the reasons behind this.

If you have a family history of heart disease, your chances of developing it increase exponentially if you are overweight or obese. It may be difficult for you to think about losing weight, especially if you are significantly over the ideal weight for your build, but you shouldn't be. Medical studies have shown that losing just 10% of your body weight can significantly lower your risk of heart disease - a real motivator for anyone just starting out on the road to healthy eating!

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