People who are overweight are more likely to have diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes, both of which can contribute to heart disease. According to Johns Hopkins researchers, overweight is more than an 'accomplice' in the development of heart problems. Weight alone can damage the heart muscle.

'Basically, obesity appears to be a 'lone wolf' factor in heart disease – that is, regardless of increased blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.'

The Link Between Obesity and Heart Failure

The inability of the organ to keep up with the challenges placed on it is known as heart failure. Doctors believe it is becoming more and more common. “There are several causes that can lead to heart failure, and the obesity pandemic is definitely one of them,” he adds. By 2030, one in five people may suffer from heart failure.

Obesity can cause heart failure even in the absence of established signs of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, according to new research.

How Do Doctors Determine Obesity Risk?

Troponin T is an enzyme released by damaged heart muscle cells. When a person is suspected of having a heart attack, doctors check it in their blood. Troponin can now be measured at significantly lower levels thanks to new, highly sensitive laboratory tests.

Thanks to this invention, the researchers were able to assess troponin levels as well as body mass index (BMI) in more than 9,500 people aged 53 to 73 without heart disease.

It has been shown that increased BMI is closely associated with higher troponin levels. For 12 years, people with the highest BMI (35 or more) experienced the greatest heart failure. Those with the highest troponin levels did, too.

Reduce your risk of heart disease by maintaining a healthy weight.

In the midst of diabetes or hypertension, both patients and doctors typically believe that 'all is well'. 'However, it can be a silent heart damage,' the doctors say. Take these precautions seriously if you want to lose weight.

If you are overweight, try to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. 'This is one of the best techniques we know right now for reducing heart failure,' the doctors said.

Find out if you are at risk for heart disease. It's a good idea to have your heart risk analyzed and be aware of your 'numbers' (BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol).

If you are obese, watch for signs of heart failure. These include fatigue, shortness of breath, and an irregular heart rate.

Recognize that any weight loss is beneficial. For every five-point increase in BMI, the risk of heart disease increases by five points.