Why Does Belly Fat Affect the Heart?

Abdominal obesity which is caused by belly fat involves the accumulation of excess weight and visceral fat that causes an increase in waist size. When belly fat is present, excess fat also exists around the heart. The resulting pressure and obstructions can cause malfunctions and disease.

Coronary Artery Disease

• Fat that is carried in and around the abdomen is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. This is due to the interference that fat around the heart can cause to the organ's overall function.

Inflammation

• A research report published in the "Circulation" journal by a team at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center found that inflammation around visceral fat deposits can cause atherosclerosis, which, in turn, can trigger a heart attack or stroke.

Hormones

• Hormones released by fatty cells connected to appetite, reproduction and metabolism have been adversely affected by fat becoming inflamed. The inflammation can easily lead to high cholesterol and Atherosclerosis.

Metabolism

• Rather than by metabolic issues or conditions such as diabetes, inflammation, which causes numerous heart malfunctions, has been shown to be directly related to belly fat.

Other Heart Diseases

• Hormonal imbalances and Hypercortisolism can lead to belly fat which can then cause various heart disorders, such as coronary disease, blockages, valve conditions, pericarditis (inflammation of the heart membrane), cardiomyopathy and fibrillation.