Weight Issues
& Heart Disease
How are they related?
Cardiology services are often available at weight clinics because obesity and excess weight are major risk factors for heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
• Overweight and obesity significantly increase the risk of:
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Atrial fibrillation
• Central obesity
• Hypertension
• High triglycerides
• Low HDL cholesterol
• Insulin resistance
• Some weight-loss medications and treatments can affect heart rate, blood pressure, or interact with cardiac medications.
• Having a cardiologist involved ensures:
• Titration of cardiology medications as needed
• Monitoring for side effects
• ECGs or stress tests when needed
Cardiologists can help patients understand the cardiovascular risks tied to their weight and motivate behavior change with a focus on heart health.