Big Waistline And Heart

By Dr. Neli Stoyanova

First, let us see what the connection between big waistline and heart disease is. Second, let us see if there is anything you can do to avoid or reduce the risk.

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 a major risk for heart disease especially for men. The Big Bad Fat around the waist is known to increase the levels of powerful immune system factors called cytokines that lead to the formation of fatty plaques in the blood vessels (atherosclerosis). What better proof that big waistline and heart disease are related?

Until recently it was believed that weight itself or 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 (hence the theory of apple vs. pear shape).

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 promote insulin resistance, which in turn raises insulin and triglycerides, and decreases HDL. (Low HDL is a predictor for heart disease especially in women).

The chemicals also increase sodium absorption and blood volume and cause arterial atherosclerosis to build up. The result is high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome What can you do about it?

Get started with a tape measure If you think your job is stressful check this out.

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