Big Waistline and Heart -- The Danger of Belly Fat

By Dr. Nelly Stoyanova

Big waistline and heart disease go hand in hand. Here is why:

Do you often try to shed those extra pounds torturing yourself with only a celery stick for lunch? Are you health conscious but are not aware of the fact that the fat around the waistline is related to stress? The bigger the belly the bigger the risk for heart disease (especially for men).

Until recently it was believed that over all obesity led to heart disease. Now there is a growing amount of data showing that fat around the waist acts differently than fat on your thighs or on your bottom.

People who develop excess weight in their abdomen called "apple-shaped" body have a greater risk to develop heart disease because the fat around the big waistline produces powerful body chemicals that lead to the formation of fatty plaques in the blood vessels (atherosclerosis, promote insulin resistance, which in turn raises insulin and triglycerides, and decreases the good cholesterol. The chemicals also increase sodium absorption and blood volume. The result is high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes metabolic syndrome, and bigger risk of dying. This is pretty serious because the big tummy could be a sign of lifetreatening condition. In some cases stress can literally broke your heart.

You can assess your own risk for heart disease by measuring your waistline and taking the Stress Level Test If you think your job is stressful check this out.

Copyright Dr. Nelly Stoyanova

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Author's bio: Dr. Nelly Stoyanova is a physician, medical researcher and health behavior expert. She studies the effects of stress on heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep. Her website: Belly Fat, Stress and Baby Boomers (http://www.stress-fat-heart-solutions-for-boomers.com) evaluates sources of stress for people over 50 and provides great tips to balance your day-to-day stress and stay healthy. Turn your life around and benefit from her expertise. For individual guidance sessions or to schedule a public speaking event use the Contact page or email at drnstoyanova@gmail.com

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