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The link between heart disease and obesity

March 4, 2021

Obesity has an impact on the quality of life, but it can also make you more at risk for life-threatening diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. February is National American Heart Month. It’s a good idea to review the link between obesity and heart disease, review your heart health, and make any necessary changes.

High blood pressure

Obesity is associated with a rise in blood pressure. That’s because individuals with obesity need more blood to supply the body with oxygen and nutrients. This requires more pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension can increase your likelihood of having a heart attack. It may also lead to an enlarged left ventricle and increase your risk of heart failure.

High cholesterol

Not only does obesity make you more likely to have high levels of bad cholesterol—including triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol)—it may also lower your levels of good cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (or HDL cholesterol) is important. It actively works to reduce your levels of bad cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease.

Type-2 diabetes

Individuals with obesity are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, which is the impaired ability to tolerate glucose. In turn, type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk for developing heart disease. In fact, it’s reported that individuals with type 2 diabetes are “two to four times more likely to develop heart failure than someone without diabetes.”  You can learn more about diabetes and heart disease in our blog here.

Am I at risk?

Are you worried that you might be at risk for developing heart disease? A quick way to determine if you are at risk because of your weight is to check your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.  A BMI above 25.0 for adults is a sign that you may be overweight. A higher waist circumference is associated with more abdominal fat. If your waist circumference is above 35 as a woman or above 40 as a man, you may be at risk of developing heart disease.

If you are worried about your heart disease risk, talk to your doctor.

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Important Lap-Band® System Safety Information

The Lap-Band System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions. It is indicated for use only in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives.

The Lap-Band System is not recommended for non-adult patients (patients under 18 years of age), patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.

The Lap-Band System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Placement of the Lap-Band System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Most common related adverse events include: Band slippage, pouch dilation, stoma obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal dilation, cholelithiasis, incisional infection, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.

Important: For full safety information please click here or talk with your doctor.