Will My Heart Get Healthier If I Lose Weight?

Approximately 145 million Americans age 20 and older are overweight or obese, according to the American Heart Association. Excess weight is a major risk factor for heart disease and successfully losing weight; keeping it off can help you boost your cardiovascular health. Your blood pressure and cholesterol are additional risk factors for heart disease that can be improved by losing weight.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a measure of the force on your artery walls as your heart pumps blood. High blood pressure can indicate cardiovascular problems and often increases as your weight increases. Mayo Clinic reports that losing just 10 lbs. can help reduce your blood pressure and improve your heart health. Adding exercise to your weight loss plan is another way to help you manage your blood pressure and keep your heart healthy.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol levels also affect your heart health and can be improved and managed with weight control. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as the "bad" cholesterol because excess amounts in your bloodstream can cause blockages in your arteries. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as the "good" cholesterol because it carries excess LDL from your bloodstream to your liver to be eliminated. Losing weight by eating a healthy diet and participating in regular exercise helps promote healthy cholesterol levels.

Recommendations

Eating 500 to 1,000 fewer calories than your body needs each day can help you lose weight. You can estimate your daily calorie needs by using the "Daily Food Planner" from MyPyramid.gov. In addition to controlling your calorie intake, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends participating in approximately 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week to promote and sustain weight loss. Aerobic exercise not only helps you burn calories but also strengthens your heart and helps it become more efficient.

Considerations

Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you put together a weight-loss plan that can improve your heart health. Eating healthy foods, including whole grains, healthy sources of fat and plenty of fruits and vegetables, can help you stay within your calorie needs while also contributing heart-healthy nutrients to your body. Choosing healthy foods and types of aerobic exercise that you enjoy can help you stick with your plans to improve your weight and heart health.