One important aspect of heart health is maintaining a healthy weight, and excess weight is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Excess weight is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. BMI is a measure of weight in relation to height, and is used to determine if a person is at a healthy weight. Having a BMI of 25 or higher is considered to be overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher is considered to be obese.

Excess weight is a major risk factor for heart disease, and being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease in several ways. Some of the ways that excess weight can impact heart health include:

• Elevated blood pressure: Excess weight can cause blood pressure to rise, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Increased heart rate: Excess weight can cause the heart to beat faster, which can put extra strain on the heart.
• Changes in blood sugar levels: Excess weight can cause changes in blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of diabetes, a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Inflammation: Excess weight can cause inflammation in the body, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy weight in order to protect your heart health. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. This may include making changes to your diet and physical activity levels, as well as other lifestyle changes. By doing so, you can take steps to protect your heart and reduce your risk of heart disease.