- Heart disease modifiable risk factors

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Heart disease modifiable risk factors - obesity

Excess body fat, particularly the accumulation of body fat around the waist increases the risk for heart disease. Obesity, defined as a body mass index above 30, is a strong predictor of CVD.

Excess body weight increases the external work for the heart, resulting in an increase in BP, blood cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Excess body weight also lowers HDL cholesterol levels and increases the incidence of diabetes. Even a moderate weight reduction can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Review Date: 10/5/2022
Reviewed By: Thomas S. Metkus, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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