Body mass index, or BMI, charts can help you determine whether you're within a healthy weight range or if you're overweight. The BMI chart is broken down into three categories which consist of a healthy weight range, overweight or obese. Being overweight can cause many health issues in addition to heart disease.
Definition of Overweight
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines overweight as having a body mass index, or BMI, ranging from 25 to 29. If you fall within a healthy weight range, your BMI should be between 19 and 24. If your BMI is 30 or more, you are obese. Your BMI is calculated by your height and weight.
Risks
Being overweight puts you at a great risk of developing medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and heart disease. Heart disease poses a very serious threat since it's the No. 1 cause of deaths across the globe for both sexes, according to MayoClinic.com. Heart disease is more lethal than all cancer's combined and is responsible for 40 percent of deaths in America. It can affect your heart in six different ways: It may make your heart stiff or thick; you may develop an infection in your heart; you may experience abnormal heart beats; the blood vessels leading to your heart may shrink; your valves may close off or you may have a congenital defect that can later cause heart disease.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
While there are various forms of heart disease, the symptoms are similar. They include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness and irregular or abnormal heartbeat. Depending upon the form of heart disease, you may experience chest pain, fainting, fever and abdominal swelling as well as swelling of the legs, feet and ankles. You can also develop a cough and skin rash or unusual patches of skin.
Prevention/Solution
Decreasing your weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease and other weight-related issues. Ensure you keep your annual check-up visits with your doctor for early detection of heart disease and other heart complications. The earlier you catch heart disease, the better your odds are of surviving. If your heart disease has progressed, your health care provider may prescribe medications to help restore blood flow and reduce swelling. In severe cases of heart disease, it may be necessary to undergo surgery. Surgical options include a bypass, implantation of a pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator, open heart surgery, catheterization, valve repair or replacement, implantation of a balloon device or a heart transplant.
References
- Centers for Disease Control: Healthy Weight: Effects of Overweight
- Weight-Control Information Network: Statistics Related to Overweight and Obesity
- United States Department of Agriculture: Chapter 3: Weight Management
- MayoClinic.com: Heart Disease: Definition
- MayoClinic.com: Heart Disease: Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Heart Disease: Treatments and Drugs
