Answer:

Obesity and cardiovascular disease are closely linked. Excess fat from obesity puts pressure on the circulatory system, forcing the heart to work harder to supply blood to the organs. This can lead to blocked arteries and an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.

Excess fat, especially visceral fat, causes hemodynamic and myocardial changes. Chronic inflammation in obese individuals can lead to underlying metabolic disorders, weakening the function of the endothelium lining blood vessels. This creates conditions for thrombus formation, causing increased coagulation and atherosclerosis, intra-atrial conduction disorders, atrial fibrillation, increased pressure on the heart, and heart failure.

Excessive pericardial fat can locally impact the heart muscle, causing myocardial cell hypertrophy and fibrosis, contributing to dysfunction of this organ. Obese individuals often have high blood lipid levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, which negatively affects cardiovascular health. Weight loss can help reduce blood lipids.

A healthy diet helps control weight and reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. Image generated by AI.

You should adhere to the obesity treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Weight loss, especially a reduction in abdominal fat, can improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart failure.

Maintain a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and foods low in saturated fat, limiting foods high in cholesterol and salt. Regular exercise not only prevents overweight and obesity but also reduces lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Dr. Pham Thi Thu Ha

Department of Endocrinology - Diabetology

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM