Obesity And Its Relation To Heart Illness

 Obesity is a growing health concern associated with several severe health issues, including heart illness. The correlation between obesity and heart illness is attributed to fat accumulation around the organs. Being overweight or obese can also cause changes in the way the body processes cholesterol. It increases the risk of cardiovascular issues. This blog discusses the causes and dangers of obesity. You will also learn how CPR certification can help an obese person during medical emergencies. 

Obesity: Causes and signs

Obesity is a medical condition where a person has excess body fat. It is a chronic condition associated with various health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart attack, breathing issues, and certain types of cancer. Some causes and signs of obesity include the following:

Causes:

1. Unhealthy Diet: Overeating unhealthy food, such as processed and fast food, can lead to weight gain and obesity.
2. Physical Inactivity: Not enough physical activity can lead to weight gain and obesity.
3. Genetics: Genetics can play a role in obesity. Those with a family history of obesity may be more likely to become obese.
4. Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can cause weight gain and lead to obesity.
5. Medications: Some medications can cause weight gain and lead to obesity.
6. Stress and Emotional Factors: Stress and emotional factors can lead to overeating and weight gain, leading to obesity.

Signs:

1. Excessive Weight Gain: If your Body Mass Index (BMI) calculates above 30, you are obese.
2. Abdominal Obesity: Obesity is when women have a waist circumference of more than 35 inches and men have it of more than 40 inches.
3. Difficulty Losing Weight: People who are obese may have trouble losing weight or may gain weight quickly.
4. Health Complications: People who are obese may have health complications, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
5. Low Self-Esteem: People who are obese may have low self-esteem and body image issues.
6. Fatigue: People who are obese may have difficulty sleeping and feel tired or sleepy throughout the day.

What are the risks of being obese?

Obesity is one of the most dangerous medical conditions a person can face. People suffering from obesity develop other medical ailments over time. People with obesity usually develop the following medical conditions.

1. Type 2 Diabetes: Excess body fat, especially around the waist, can increase insulin resistance. It is harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels. It can cause type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.
2. Heart Disease: Being obese increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol. Increased fat around the abdomen can lead to an unhealthy buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can narrow them and cause blood clots.
3. High Blood Pressure: Excess body fat can result in high blood pressure, which can cause various health problems. High blood pressure leads to heart attack and other severe medical conditions.
4. Certain Cancers: Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancer.
5. Osteoarthritis: Being obese can put extra strain on the joints, leading to inflammation and cartilage damage.
6. Sleep Apnea: Excess body fat can pressure the airways, leading to sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts during sleep. It can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and other health problems. 

How can you save an obese person with a CPR certification?

An obese person could suffer from one or more issues mentioned above. The critical aspect is understanding the signs of cardiac arrest and respiratory distress in time. CPR is an effective method to revive an unconscious person. Some ways CPR can help an obese person incluce:

1. CPR can provide immediate and appropriate resuscitation if a person’s heart stops. Use the proper force to deliver chest compressions deep enough to reach the heart.
2. With CPR, you can monitor the person’s breathing and heart rate. If the person is not breathing, provide rescue breaths and continue chest compressions until medical help arrives.
3. CPR helps you provide adequate ventilation by tilting the patient’s head and lifting the chin.
4. In case of breathlessness due to sleep apnea, you can restore normal breathing through CPR.
5. CPR helps you to identify signs of cardiac arrest and use AED to restore the heart rhythm. 

Conclusion

Heart and lung diseases cause many deaths in the United States. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing this and other heart-related diseases. While staying within your weight range is the best solution, you should also invest in a CPR certification. The American HealthCare Academy has nationally and internationally recognized courses on this subject. Log onto the AHCA website and learn a new skill to keep your loved ones safe.