Gaining even a little weight over time may alter the structure and function of heart muscle, affecting long-term risk of heart failure, according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association.
Researchers found those who gained weight:
even as little as 5 percent, were more likely to have thickening and enlargement of the left ventricle, well-established indicators of future heart failure;
were more likely to exhibit subtle decreases in their hearts’ pumping ability; and
were more likely to exhibit changes in heart muscle appearance and function that persisted even after the researchers eliminated other factors that could affect heart muscle performance and appearance, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and alcohol use.
The researchers caution that their study was relatively small and their findings do not mean that every person with weight gain will necessarily develop heart failure.
As a cardiology resident, this research doesn't really give new insights. However, it does substantiate the notion that being overweight increases cardiovascular risk. Very nice to see this sort of article on STEEM!
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