The effect of obesity on heart rate - Dr. Majid Faraji

IntroductionObesity is one of the biggest health problems in the world, which has devastating effects on a person's health. This problem is not only associated with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and respiratory problems, but also endangers the health of the heart and vascular system. One of the important effects of obesity on the heart is changes in heart rate. These changes can include increased resting heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, and other problems related to heart function. In this article, we have comprehensively investigated the effect of obesity on heart rate and its consequences.

1. Obesity and increased resting heart rate

Obese people, especially those with abdominal obesity, usually have a higher resting heart rate. The main reason for this increase is the body's need for more blood supply. The more body fat, the more powerful and faster the heart has to pump blood to all tissues. This extra pressure increases heart rate and blood pressure and over time can threaten heart health.

2. Obesity and occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the normal rhythm of the heart that disturb the proper functioning of the heart. Obesity can cause cardiac arrhythmias by causing changes in the electrical system of the heart and increasing blood pressure. One of the most common of these disorders is atrial fibrillation (AFib). Research shows that obese people, especially with abdominal obesity, are more at risk of developing arrhythmias, and these problems can be dangerous under conditions of stress or intense physical activity.

3. Obesity and increased risk of heart failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively throughout the body. By increasing blood volume and extra pressure on the heart, obesity puts pressure on the heart muscle and can cause heart muscle weakness and heart failure. This situation can lead to heart rate changes, shortness of breath, swelling of organs and chronic fatigue.

4. Obesity and changes in the autonomic nervous system

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for regulating the body's automatic functions, including heart rate. In obese people:

• Activity of the sympathetic nervous system (increased heart rate) increased
• The activity of the parasympathetic nervous system (decrease in heart rate) decreases

These changes cause an increase in heart rate even at rest and decrease the body's ability to relax and increase the risk of heart disorders.

5. Obesity and high blood pressure

Obesity increases blood pressure, which itself puts a lot of pressure on the heart, and the heart has to pump blood with more speed and pressure. An increase in blood pressure causes the walls of the arteries to thicken and reduce their flexibility, which restricts blood flow to the heart and increases the heart rate. In the long term, this situation can lead to heart damage and rhythm disorders.

6. Obesity and hormonal effects on heart rate

Obesity causes hormonal changes that affect heart function. Some of these changes are:

• insulin increase: insulin resistance stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and increases the heart rate
• Increased cortisol and estrogen: Hormonal changes can upset the balance of the autonomic nervous system and increase the heart rate

These hormonal changes can lead to arrhythmia and heart failure.

7. Obesity and long-term cardiovascular problems

Obesity increases blood pressure, cholesterol level and insulin resistance. These combined factors can:

• Obstruction of coronary arteries
• damage to the heart muscle
• Decreasing blood pumping efficiency

create that eventually lead to heart failure and other serious heart problems.

Conclusion

Obesity has a direct and serious effect on heart rate. These effects include:

• Increased heart rate at rest
Occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias
• increasing the pressure on the heart and the risk of heart failure

To prevent these problems, the following actions are recommended:

• Weight loss and obesity management
• Regular exercise and physical activity
• Healthy and balanced diet
• Stress management and healthy lifestyle

Paying attention to heart health and maintaining a proper weight improves the quality of life and prevents the occurrence of serious heart problems.

Authentic sources

1. American Heart Association – Obesity and Heart Disease
2. Mayo Clinic – Obesity and Heart Disease
3. National Institutes of Health – Obesity and Cardiovascular Health

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