Can Obesity Make Your Heart Age Faster Cardiologist Reveals Why Heart Failure And Strokes May Occur At A Younger Age
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Hindustan TimesVerified Publisher
Ageing is most commonly associated with visible signs such as greying hair and wrinkles. However, your organs can also age earlier than expected, and obesity may actually accelerate this process. “Excess body fat places continuous stress on the cardiovascular system, forcing the heart to work harder every day. Over time, this persistent strain can accelerate the ageing of the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythms,” Dr Jain said. It also suggests that the heart-related diseases that you see in old age occur much
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“Excess body fat places continuous stress on the cardiovascular system, forcing the heart to work harder every day. Over time, this persistent strain can accelerate the ageing of the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythms,” Dr Jain said. It also suggests that the heart-related diseases that you see in old age occur much sooner because of obesity.
There is a chain reaction in which each step gradually accelerates the heart's ageing process. The cardiologist identified inflammation as a key factor, as it can significantly affect the cardiovascular system and contribute to long-term damage.
Describing the chain reaction, the cardiologist said, “One of the first consequences of obesity is reduced physical activity. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the joints, making exercise more difficult. As activity levels decline, weight gain often continues, leading to the accumulation of inflammatory body fat. This chronic inflammation damages blood vessels and contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease.”
Now, let's closely look at this ageing process. Obesity affects your heart in multiple ways, which are also all interconnected. The cardiologist warned that they are all gradually changing how its blood vessels, muscles and electrical system function. According to the cardiologist, three changes place the heart under sustained pressure and may accelerate its ageing process over time.
Dr Jain outlined the ways obesity affects your heart:
Since obesity is associated with multiple risks, including abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, and strokes, it should be treated as a serious health problem rather than merely a weight-related issue. However, the cardiologist also shared some good news: even modest weight loss can improve heart function and reduce cardiovascular risk.
“A balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and timely medical care for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can help slow heart ageing and support long-term cardiovascular health," the cardiologist outlined the essentials that help you combat obesity.
The takeaway is healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to keep your heart younger, stronger, and healthier for years to come.
Dr Anshul Kumar Jain has over 30 years of experience as an interventional cardiologist. He has completed prestigious fellowships in Interventional Cardiology from Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York (USA) and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne (Australia). His specialisations include complex coronary interventions, angioplasty, stenting, structural heart disease management, and advanced cardiac procedures.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.