In obese patients, common pharmacological therapy for cardiovascular disease may need to be modified or down. Certain drugs, such as beta-blockers, may impair a patient’s ability to lose weight, and Dr. Lopez-Jimenez emphasizes the significance of attempting alternate techniques to keep these patients from gaining weight or to assist them in losing weight.
Suggestions to lose weight can be difficult to follow because heart patients have difficulty moving and may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath when exercising. These symptoms frequently dissuade patients from engaging in physical activity, but Dr. Lopez-Jimenez emphasizes the importance of exercise not only for weight loss but also for heart health.
“Obesity is an important risk factor to address in patients with heart disease and it requires us to do something,” says Dr. Lopez-Jimenez.” The patient needs to know that their clinician can help them lose weight. Overall, weight loss solutions come down to finding the right therapy for the patient.”
Advertisement
A typical weight loss program will include a therapist, a dietician, and possibly a psychologist. If that isn’t enough, Dr. Lopez-Jimenez adds there are additional options, such as bariatric surgery and drugs, that can help patients lose weight. The Mayo Clinic recently launched a comprehensive cardiometabolic program to combat obesity, minimize linked illness conditions, and assist patients in improving their quality of life.
It is critical to accurately define a person’s level of obesity. BMI, a measure of body fat based on height and weight, has long been used to determine the degree of obesity. Those with a lot of muscle, on the other hand, will have a high BMI. Individuals with minimal muscle mass and much waistline fat may have a low BMI but be overweight. Waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference measurements provide a more accurate estimate of cardiovascular risk.
“In general, patients with heart disease and a particularly advanced degree of obesity will benefit from trying lifestyle modification. And if that doesn’t work, or if they have tried that in the past, it is reasonable to consider bariatric surgery or medications,” says Dr. Lopez-Jimenez.
Source: Medindia
Source link
#Obesity #Complicates #Diagnosis #Treatment #Heart #Disease
