When Vy, 42, arrived at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, she weighed 84 kg and stood 1.63 m tall, classifying her as obese with a BMI of 31.6 kg/m2. Her visceral fat was nearly double the safe level. She also had high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and an enlarged liver.

Doctor Lam Van Hoang, Head of the Endocrinology - Diabetes Department, said Vy's coronary artery blockage was quite severe, reducing blood flow to the heart to just one-third of its normal capacity. This reduction became even more pronounced during physical activity or stress.

Coronary artery blockage typically results from plaque buildup in the artery walls, restricting blood and oxygen supply to the heart. This can lead to angina, heart attacks, and other serious complications. Obesity contributes to inflammation, enlarging fat cells and causing fat accumulation in the abdomen and around the heart. This affects the body's metabolism, increasing fat toxicity and insulin resistance, which in turn accelerates atherosclerosis.

"Each unit increase in BMI raises the risk of heart failure by 5-7%, and also increases the risk of sudden death," Doctor Hoang said. He added that weight loss reduces strain on the heart and blood vessels, helps manage cholesterol levels, slows the progression of atherosclerosis, and prevents heart attacks. Weight loss can also help lower blood pressure, another risk factor for coronary artery blockage.

Doctor Hoang discusses a weight loss plan with Vy. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Vy was prescribed injectable and oral weight loss medication. According to Doctor Hoang, the medication doesn't cause dehydration or fatigue, but instead helps manage diabetes and cholesterol. Vy also began a light exercise regimen and adopted a balanced diet that fit her lifestyle.

An ultrasound examines Vy's fatty liver. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

After two months of treatment, Vy lost 9 kg, over 10% of her initial weight. Her health indicators improved, but she needs to continue treatment. "If the patient maintains her weight loss according to the plan, she may not need a coronary stent," Doctor Hoang said.

Duc Hanh