Healthy Weight Won't Save Sedentary People From Heart Disease

Healthy weight won't save sedentary people from heart disease

Traditionally, people with a normal BMI are considered healthy and have a low risk of heart disease, but it is increasingly found that your weight is not necessarily an indicator of good health. Sedentary markers can play a large role in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Scientists from the University of Florida have found that adults with normal weight and low levels of physical activity are at risk of heart disease as much as those who are overweight.

The study, published in the American Journal of Cardiology, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which includes interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. It involved people between the ages of 40 and 79 who had not previously been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, stroke or heart attack.

The researchers examined the participants' abdominal sagittal diameter (measurements of fat in the intestinal area), waist circumference, and self-reports of moderate to vigorous physical activity, time spent sitting, presence / absence of shortness of breath when rushing or climbing low altitudes.

“Our research demonstrates that a sedentary lifestyle counteracts the benefits of being at a normal weight when it comes to the risk of heart disease. Achieving a body mass index, or BMI, within normal limits should not give people a false sense of confidence that they are in good health. If you don't exercise, you are not doing enough,”said lead researcher Arch G. Mainous III, Ph.D.

The study found that 30% of normal weight adults in the United States have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. They had higher levels of belly fat, shortness of breath on exertion, an unhealthy waist circumference, or less than recommended physical activity.

“We have traditionally thought that people with normal BMIs are healthy and have a low risk of heart disease, but we increasingly find that your weight is not necessarily an indicator of good health. Sedentary markers can play a large role in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease,”said Maynous.

In addition, the researchers calculated the participants' risk on the ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) scale developed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Weighted variables are used to calculate the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke over the next 10 years, including age, gender, race / ethnicity, smoking status, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, and high blood pressure care.

High rates (7.5% or more) on the ASCVD risk scale were found both among overweight people and among people with normal BMI, but leading a sedentary lifestyle. To reduce this risk, the Centers of Disease Control recommends for adults at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise that combines aerobic activity and strength training.