With changes in lifestyle, obesity has become a global public health challenge. Data shows that the number of obese individuals has experienced explosive growth in recent years.
Professor Zheng Yin, Vice President of Hainan Chengmei Hospital and a cardiovascular and cerebrovascular expert, discovered in clinical practice that obesity is closely related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and cerebral infarction, posing a serious threat to residents' health.
Obesity and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are "mutually reinforcing"
Professor Zheng Yin explained that obesity is not merely a matter of exceeding the normal weight, but a chronic metabolic disease with a clear pathological mechanism for damaging the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems.
Firstly, excessive accumulation of fat in the body of obese individuals can lead to elevated triglycerides and cholesterol, resulting in hyperlipidemia. These lipids deposit on the inner walls of blood vessels, forming atherosclerotic plaques, which narrow the vascular lumen, decrease elasticity, and affect blood circulation.
Secondly, obesity can increase the burden on the heart. For every 1 kilogram of weight gain, the heart needs to pump an additional 0.5 liters of blood. Long-term overload can lead to myocardial hypertrophy and decreased cardiac function, which in turn can induce hypertension. Data shows that the prevalence of hypertension in obese individuals is 2-3 times higher than that in normal weight individuals, and hypertension is an important risk factor for coronary heart disease and cerebral hemorrhage.
In addition, obesity can also induce insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar, further damaging vascular endothelial cells, accelerating atherosclerosis, and forming a vicious cycle of "obesity-hypertension-hyperglycemia-cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases".
It is worth noting that obesity cannot be judged solely based on weight values. Human body composition analysis and detection are key means for accurately assessing the degree of obesity. It can clearly distinguish core indicators such as fat weight, muscle mass, and body fat percentage, avoiding the misjudgment of high weight caused by muscular development as obesity. At the same time, it can accurately locate the type (such as abdominal obesity) and distribution area of fat accumulation. Through this detection, potential metabolic abnormalities can be detected early, providing a scientific basis for subsequent intervention. It is an important pre-screening method for preventing obesity-related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
These cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks should be particularly vigilant for obese individuals
"In clinical practice, obesity-related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are more insidious and dangerous." Professor Zheng Yin reminds that obese individuals need to be vigilant about three types of diseases: first, coronary heart disease, where atherosclerotic plaques block the coronary arteries, leading to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, which can trigger angina pectoris or even myocardial infarction; second, cerebral infarction, where blood vessels in the brain are blocked or ruptured by plaques, resulting in cerebral tissue ischemia and necrosis, leaving sequelae such as hemiplegia and slurred speech; third, hypertensive heart disease, where long-term hypertension alters the structure and function of the heart, ultimately leading to heart failure.
Professor Zheng Yin emphasized that abdominal obesity ("general's belly") poses a greater threat. Abdominal fat cells are metabolically active and can release a large amount of inflammatory factors, exacerbating insulin resistance and vascular inflammation, significantly increasing the risk of disease. Furthermore, obese individuals often suffer from sleep apnea syndrome, and recurrent hypoxia during the night can further elevate blood pressure, damage blood vessels, and pose multiple hidden dangers.
Scientific prevention and control, stay away from "dual threats"
"Obesity and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are not irreversible. Scientific intervention can effectively reduce the risk." Professor Zheng Yin gave three suggestions.
1. Scientific weight loss is the key.
In terms of diet, reduce consumption of foods high in oil, sugar, salt, and processed foods, and increase intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality protein. Aim for a sense of fullness at 70-80% of capacity at each meal. In terms of exercise, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, swimming) per week, combined with 2-3 strength training sessions, to avoid rapid weight loss that could harm the body.
2. Regular physical examinations for early screening and treatment.
Individuals over 40 years old who are obese, have hypertension, or a family history of diabetes should undergo cardiovascular and cerebrovascular examinations (including blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, electrocardiogram, and carotid artery ultrasound) at least once a year, and timely intervention should be taken for any abnormalities. Those who have been diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes should strictly follow the doctor's advice to take medication and control key indicators.
3. Improve lifestyle to safeguard health.
Abstain from smoking and limiting alcohol consumption to avoid irritating blood vessels with tobacco and alcohol; ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late and fatigue; maintain a good attitude and avoid long-term anxiety and tension, in order to prevent emotional fluctuations from inducing blood pressure elevation and increasing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Professor Zheng Yin emphasized that obesity poses a long-term and insidious threat to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, and it is important not to wait until diseases occur before taking action. She hopes that everyone will embrace the concept of "healthy weight = healthy heart and brain", cultivate good habits from now on, scientifically prevent and control obesity, and stay away from the troubles of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Expert Introduction
Zheng Yin, Chief Physician
Vice President, Professor
Master's supervisor, scholar studying in the United States
Outstanding Experts with Outstanding Contributions in Hainan Province
Medical expertise
Specialized in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and health management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases as well as geriatric diseases. Conducts cardiac rehabilitation for patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, metabolic syndrome, post-stent implantation, and post-bypass surgery, including guidance on medication, exercise, nutrition, and sleep disorders.