Maintaining a Healthy Heart Starts With Keeping a Healthy Weight

While most people think instantly of diabetes as one of the bigger complications of obesity, the reality is this condition also takes its toll on the heart. If it’s time to get heart health in check, it’s also time to shoot for maintaining a healthy weight.

 Why Weight Matters
When you think about the work the heart must perform day in and day out, 24 hours constant, the burden extra weight puts on the heart begins to become clear. As weight increases, the body creates new blood vessels to supply the additional fat tissue it’s storing with oxygen and nutrients. This, in turn, increases the workload placed on the heart and increases blood pressure in the process.

 Extra weight can also lead to plaque buildup in the blood vessels. This restricts the flow of blood – and much needed oxygen – forcing the heart to work even more to simply do its normal job. As plaque builds up, the risk for heart attacks and strokes rise.

 Tips for Maintaining Weight

 If weight is a concern, there are a number of things you can do to bring it down to a heart healthy level. Here are just a few tips that can make a difference:

 • Eat a healthy diet – A plant-based diet that’s low in fat and calories can make a big difference. The Mediterranean diet is a good place to start. If you’re not sure what to eat, reach out to your doctor for guidance.
• Get active – Exercise plays a crucial role in weight loss and maintenance. It’s also very good for the heart. If you’re not exercising already, reach out to your doctor to make sure it’s safe to start a routine.
• Consider bariatric surgery – If all other means of weight loss have not worked, bariatric surgery might provide the boost that’s needed. To explore this option further, be sure to consult with a skilled bariatric surgeon. These procedures are not always right in every case, but a doctor can help you determine the best course of action.

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