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Heart Truth #3: Weighing the Risks

Last updated: Monday, December 21, 2020 | 2 min reading time

Weighing up the Risks

While you might not be hugely overweight, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be concerned. Anyone with body weight exceeding their recommended weight range by just 20% or more is considered obese. And once you hit that mark, your risk of heart attack is roughly 3 times greater than that of someone within the healthy weight range.

Being overweight or obese can:

Raise your cholesterol levels
Increase your blood pressure
Increase your risk of developing diabetes

All of which put you at greater risk of heart disease.

Did you know that the leading cause of death by far among diabetics is diabetic heart disease? A high blood sugar level predisposes diabetics to more artery blockages throughout the body, and they also tend to have a very poor cholesterol profile.

So how do you maintain a healthy weight or lose weight? It’s not rocket science – try smaller portions for meals and snacks. How much you eat matters.

Going for preventive heart screening is an effective way to identify hidden heart health risks.

For your peace of mind, talk to one of our heart specialists today or read about how to make healthcare insurance claims to cover your hospital bills.

Article tags

Heart health Weight management & obesity

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