What Is the Link Between Weight Gain and Heart Disease?

Medical professionals have determined that there is a direct between weight gain and heart disease. Being overweight is one of the primary factors that contributes to your risk of developing heart disease. Heart disease is a term that refers to a number of different diseases that affect the heart, and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or death. Luckily, you can significantly decrease you risk by losing weight with the help of a healthy weight loss program in Fort Wayne .

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is a collection of heart conditions that can be fatal. Heart disease can cause congestive heart failure, heart attacks, stroke, and death. The serious heart conditions that are considered to be forms of heart disease include atherosclerosis, heart arrhythmia, and problems with the valve of the heart. Heart disease can develop due to a buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries. This plaque constricts, or narrows, the walls of the arteries, making it much more difficult for blood to flow through.

How Does Weight Gain Contribute to Heart Disease?

Excess weight puts more pressure on every part of your body, including the heart. It is more difficult for the heart to effectively and efficiently pump blood through your veins if you are overweight. Being overweight also causes elevated cholesterol levels, which directly contributes to the buildup of arterial plaque. Arterial plaque in turn raises your blood pressure. Being overweight, having high cholesterol levels, and having high blood pressure are all very significant risk factors for heart disease.

How Can You Lower Your Risk?

You can lower your risk of heart disease by eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, protein, and healthy fats and cholesterol. Eating right, combined with regular exercise, will help you lose weight. Losing weight is one of the most effective ways to decrease your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and diabetes. Visit a weight loss center near you, and an experienced physician can help you meet your weight loss goals.