Obesity is certainly one of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality. Time and again, many studies have established significant relationship between body shape and heart disease. With the World Heart Day fast approaching may be it is time, people to reshape themselves.
The theme of World Heart Day (September 25th) is “Healthy Weight, Healthy Shape” that will focus on preventive measures and spreading awareness about cardiovascular disease. It will also concentrate on understanding concepts about personal risk and heart disease.According to a study conducted recently, people whose fat collects around the waist - the classic apple shape - are at higher risk of heart disease than their pear-shaped counterparts, whose weight collects around the hips. Cardiovascular disease is often not optimally managed. Motivating patients to improve their lifestyle habits seems a practical approach.
Cigarette smoking, elevated blood pressure, elevated LDL cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, aging, obesity and physical inactivity are some of the factors to be taken into consideration during assessment.
"Good health doesn't just happen. It takes work and awareness of one's habits. Putting forth that effort to avoid heart disease is far preferable to dealing with its consequences. World Heart Day has proven to be an effective way to put a spotlight on the importance of prevention and the actions that all of us can take to keep our hearts healthy “said Pamela Douglas, M.D., F.A.C.C., and president of the ACC.
Physicians and patients can work together regarding management of blood pressure, control of smoking, intake of calories, exercise and a parallel management of other co-existing conditions. It is appropriate at this juncture to remember that a majority of heart disease is preventable.
