BMI and heart disease
BMI and heart disease
Some people may admit to being overweight but few would say they were obese.
In some cultures being a little overweight is considered a symbol of a comfortable lifestyle, being wealthy enough to have good food and drink. Obesity on the other hand is considered by most to be a derogatory term for someone who has let themselves go and not caring for themselves.
However being overweight is bad for your heart and being obese is even worse and there is a small difference between these two classifications.
Starting from here you will see the connection between BMI and heart disease and learn how to prevent heart disease, an important lesson
Now look at these charts to quickly determine your body mass index. You will need to know your approximate height and weight.
BMI Chart using inches and pounds
BMI Chart using centimeters and kilograms
You may be surprised that you are in the overweight category and you may be shocked to be in the obese category. If so you need to realise you are damaging your heart. The length of time you have been like this will have already caused damage and the longer you stay like this the worse it gets.
One of the risks for having heart problems at an earlier than expected age (premature heart disease) is being overweight or obese.
Lifestyle risk factors
The risk of heart disease from being overweight or obese is known as one of the lifestyle risk factors. Other lifestyle risk factors include smoking, lack of exercise, excess alcohol, cocaine or steroid use, environmental exposures and non compliance with healthcare advise.
If you are concerned that your weight is possibly damaging your heart health then you should take steps to not only reduce your weight as best you can but to get a BMI and heart disease heart risk assessment.
It is important that you consider how to prevent heart disease for yourself not only for the obvious benefit to yourself of possibly living longer but for the sake of your family, friends and loved ones.
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This is part of the MyHeartRisk series on how to prevent heart disease including:
- Obesity and heart disease
- Family history of heart disease
- How is your heart like your car?
- My heart risk score
- Your heart disease risk calculator and report writer
- Heart attack risk
MyHeartRisk mission: To help users better understand their personal heart disease risk factors and how to advocate for themselves with their health care providers for a more healthy and potentially longer life. To ask the question ‘What is my heart risk’ and get not only a personalized response but to have a partner on the road to improved health and longevity.
Join our MyHeartRisk online family by taking our newsletter then we can keep you informed and to get you started you will receive a free ebook
‘Preventing your heart disease’
We hope this has helped you will see the connection between BMI and heart disease and we wish you success in preventing your heart disease.
