Body Mass Index and the Link to Heart Disease or Stroke

Medicine does not follow the formula many of us learned in algebra, where if A = B and B = C, then A = C. More often than not, the cause of one condition (A = B) which can lead to another condition (C) does NOT mean that the cause of the first condition is also the cause of the second.

For instance, with heart attacks and stroke, we know that those who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of high blood pressure, poor cholesterol profiles and diabetes, which are all known risks for heart disease and stroke. What we don’t know for a fact is that overweight or obesity are causes for heart disease and stroke.

In an attempt to clear this up, research reported in the American Heart Association’s academic journal (Circulation 2008; 118:124-130) made use of data gathered in a study that involved almost 4,800 men and women and lasted from 1971 to 1995. The initial gathering of data in 1971 included age, gender, smoking status, height and weight (Body Mass Index), blood sugar levels (diabetes) and cholesterol scores.

The scientists measured the time elapsed from the beginning of the study to a participant’s first diagnosis of heart disease (including heart attack or angina) or cerebrovascular disease (including stroke or transient ischemic attack). They then calculated the participants’ risk of heart disease or cerebrovascular disease based solely on their Body Mass Index, then performed the same calculations, but taking into account the presence of the other known risk factors.

An additional 4.3 points in a participant’s Body Mass Index meant, by itself, an increase in risk of heart disease or stroke of over 25 percent. When the other risk factors were taken into account, that 4.3-point difference meant only a 10 percent increase in risk. That’s still a significant effect!

This is exciting (yet sobering) news. For a woman who is 5 feet 4 inches, decreasing her Body Mass Index 4 points, from overweight to normal weight, would mean losing about 20 lbs. A man who is 5 feet 10 inches would have to lose about 30 lbs. If your Body Mass Index is in the overweight or obese range, take action today to protect yourself from heart disease and stroke. Here’s one idea you can start today: During lunchtime, get out and walk for 20 to 30 minutes.

Timothy S. Harlan, M.D., a.k.a Dr. Gourmet
Drgourmet.com