Cause 9. Obesity: A Weighty Issue
Obesity is a global epidemic and a significant contributor to heart disease. Characterized by an excess of body fat, obesity enhances the risk of heart disease in several ways.
Firstly, obesity often coincides with other risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. These accompanying conditions, in combination with obesity, amplify heart disease risk.
Secondly, obesity leads to an increased heart workload. The heart must pump more blood to supply the excess tissue, leading to increased blood pressure. Over time, this elevated pressure can damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to heart disease.
Moreover, obesity can lead to sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, leading to sudden drops in blood oxygen levels. This condition, over time, can lead to heart failure or arrhythmia.
Thus, obesity, with its multiple implications, acts as a significant catalyst in heart disease development. (9)
