Obesity is defined by MayoClinic.com as having a body mass index of above 30. Patients who are obese are at an increased risk of having a number of different heart problems, including coronary heart disease.
Obesity and Lipid Problems
People who are obese are more likely to have lipid abnormalities, such as high cholesterol levels, the Mayo Clinic website explains. Cholesterol can accumulate in the walls of the coronary arteries, resulting in the development of atherosclerotic plaques, which can block off the arteries and restrict blood flow to the heart.
Obesity and Blood Pressure
Patients who are overweight also are more like to have elevated blood pressure, the American Heart Association explains. Not only does high blood pressure put excess strain on the heart, it also causes damage to the coronary arteries, increasing the rate at which atherosclerosis progresses.
Diabetes
Obesity has also been linked with the development of Type 2 diabetes, which is caused by the body becoming resistant to the effects of insulin. The high blood sugar levels caused by Type 2 diabetes can also damage the coronary arteries.
