Heart disease is often called the “silent killer” because some people may not know they have heart disease until they experience a heart attack. How to reduce the likelihood of a heart attack? You are more likely to develop heart disease if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or if you smoke. An unhealthy diet and lack of exercise are linked to high cholesterol levels. Obesity and alcohol abuse also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
ContentWaist circumference vs. BMIHow to measure your waist circumference at homeHow to reduce the likelihood of a heart attack
WomanEL advises you to visit your doctor annually. He will measure your blood pressure and also check your cholesterol levels depending on your age. And yes, you will have to step on a scale and measure your height to check your body mass index (BMI). Don't be offended when your doctor measures your waist. Waist circumference can tell you something about your risk of heart disease.
Waist circumference vs. BMI
The CDC classifies people as overweight if their BMI is greater than 25 and obese if it is greater than 30. According to a 2010 study published in the journal Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, men with a BMI over 30 are 80% more likely to develop coronary heart disease. Their data was compared to men with a BMI between 18.5 and 22.9. Women with a BMI over 30 are twice as likely to have this disease.
Waist circumference also predicts your risk of cardiovascular disease. Women with a waist size of 34 inches (86.3 cm) or more have a 2.75 times greater risk of heart disease.
People who have a lot of muscle weigh more, even if they have less fat This is why BMI is somewhat insufficient in predicting your health. However, how much weight you carry around your belly may indicate the presence of visceral fat, which is more detrimental to your overall health. Visceral fat is the fat around your organs, and you are less likely to see it like subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin).
Your BMI may be in a relatively healthy range. But your health may still be at risk. A 2008 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people with a normal BMI and a large waist circumference had a 20% higher risk of mortality than people with a normal waist circumference.
How to measure circumference waistline at home
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a man may be at risk for obesity-related diseases such as heart disease if his waist circumference is 40 inches (101.6 cm) or more. Non-pregnant women are at risk if their waist is greater than 35 inches (88.9 cm).
If you have a tape measure at home, you can measure your waist circumference. Locate the hip bones (that is, the top of the pelvis) on each side. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist so that it rests just above your hip bones. The tape doesn't want to be too loose, but you also don't want it to be pressed against the skin. You should be able to fit one finger inside the tape. Exhale, then take the measurement.
How to reduce the likelihood of a heart attack
By eating right and exercising, you can reduce your waist circumference and reduce the risk of heart disease, Source: freepik.com
If your circumference waistline exceeds these limits, losing just 5-10% of your weight can reduce your risk of obesity-related diseases. Because obesity is just one factor that can affect your health, you can make other lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Experts advise getting plenty of exercise, eating right, getting enough sleep, and managing stress and mental health. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and stop smoking.
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