Obesity is a chronic problem in the United States, affecting the long-term health of 36.5% of the adult population. This condition can increase your risk for a wide range of chronic illnesses, especially cardiovascular disease.
At HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, our team of cardiovascular specialists offer solutions to fight obesity and protect your heart health. Losing even 5% of your body weight can significantly lower your risk for heart disease and other health complications.
There is a strong link between obesity and factors that contribute to heart disease. When you’re overweight or obese, you may be more likely to develop coronary artery disease, a condition that describes blockages in the vessels that carry blood to your heart. This condition can lead to stroke and is often the result of:
Excess weight can also put unnecessary pressure on your blood vessels and heart, interfering with proper blood circulation and causing enlargement in the heart’s ventricles. Ventricle enlargement (ventricular hypertrophy) can increase your risk for heart failure.
There are two ways to determine if your weight contributes to your risk for heart disease – measure your body mass index (BMI) and your waist.
Your BMI is a mathematical formula that calculates your height and weight to determine your risk factors for obesity. If you have a BMI over 25.0, you’re overweight. If your BMI is 30.0 or over, you’re obese.
Your waist circumference is a measurement of your waist, the area just above your navel. This measurement gives an indication of how much abdominal fat you have.
Women with a waist circumference over 35 inches and men with a circumference of 40 inches or more may be at increased risk for heart disease.
If your weight puts you at risk for heart disease, there are things you can do now to protect your long-term heart health.
Our team at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut offers customized solutions for treating obesity and its effect on your cardiovascular health.
We start by helping you make heart-healthy food choices that support safe weight loss and ensure you’re giving your body the nutrition it needs to stay healthy. Our team works closely with you on dietary modifications you can make now and carry with you for the rest of your life.
In general, you should focus on incorporating more fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats in your daily diet. You should also limit your intake of processed foods, saturated fats, sugars, and alcohol.
We can also help you start a daily exercise routine, so you can get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Exercise not only helps you lose fat and maintain a healthy weight, but it is also essential for good heart health.
Through regular weigh-ins, our team can ensure you’re staying on track with your weight-loss goals. We can also help you modify your plan as you achieve each of your goals.
Our office features advanced screening technologies to evaluate your heart health before and after weight loss. We offer on-site blood work and other testing services to identify high cholesterol, diabetes, and other conditions that obesity can cause.
If you need help losing weight, call the HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, office nearest to you today or book a consultation online.
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HeartCare Associates of Connecticut provides the highest level of care to our patients. From treatments of common coronary problems, to non-invasive and state-of-the-art procedures, to life saving surgeries our dedicated and compassionate staff will make you feel at ease.
Some of the most common illnesses and issues we treat are:
Aneurysms
Cardiac Catherterization, Angiography & Stenting
Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Center
Coronary Bypass Surgery
Coronary Heart Disease
Coumadin & Anticoagulation Clinic
Diabetes
Dizziness, Palpitations, & Heart Rhythmn
Heart Valve Problems
High Cholesterol & Triglycerides
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Nuclear Cardiac Scanning
Nutrition Programs
Pacemakers
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Preventive Health Programs
Stroke Prevention
Swelling (Edema) of the Legs & Ankles
Treatment & Prevention of Obesity
Ultrasound Testing & Echocardiography
Vein Care
Womens Health