Weight and coronary artery disease

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Weight and coronary artery disease

There is a strong association between being overweight and the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). The exact risk is still a matter of some debate, but it is known that being very overweight (obese) increases your chances of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all major risk factors for CAD.

Weight loss frequently improves other risk factors related to CAD, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and may also help control diabetes.

What is the importance of body fat distribution?

Studies have shown that the distribution of body fat in part determines the negative impact of obesity on your health. Specifically, studies have looked at the relationship between your waist measurement and your hip measurement, called your waist-to-hip ratio. If your waist-to-hip ratio is high, it means you are carrying most of your body fat around your abdomen. Fat deposits, especially around the abdomen area, are probably an important independent risk factor for developing diabetes and coronary artery disease.

Credits

Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Last Updated	May 29, 2007

Last updated:	May 29, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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