A Few Extra Pounds Can Lead To Increased Heart Failure Risk

Firstly, 1,262 adults with-out heart disease or any condition that may lead to heart disease were followed for seven years.

Secondly, at the start and end of the study, MRI scans of the heart were taken and body fat measurements recorded.

The Findings

Researchers discovered:

• Those who put on 5% weight were more likely to have thickening and enlargement of the left ventricle
• They showed subtle decreases in the heart’s pumping ability
• They were more likely to exhibit changes in the heart muscle’s function and appearance

“Any weight gain may lead to negative changes in the heart.

Prevention should focus on weight loss.

If meaningful weight loss can’t be achieved, the focus should be on weight stability,” said Ian Neeland, M.D.,.

Dr Neeland is an assistant professor of medicine at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

While keeping a stable weight is an option for reducing heart risks, those who lost weight were more likely to show signs of decreases in heart muscle thickness.

What You Can Do

In light of changing approaches to what constitutes heart-healthy food along with the obesity epidemic, now is the time to refocus nutritional habits to ensure that heart disease is not in your future.

Recently, I wrote a short article on the nutritional steps you can take to start your weight loss journey.

In recent months Chinese Medicine has emerged as another viable treatment option for heart disease patients.

Finally, if you’re ready to take more calculated action on weight loss and your heart health, apply for a consultation with me here