What Are The Two Major Diseases Caused By Obesity

 Obesity is common in our world today. In some nations, it is even considered a sign of prosperity. This condition is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Over-eating and the lack of physical movement contribute to the emerge of fat. This is a serious condition that can lead to various diseases and death. The BMI (Body Mass Index) is the measurement of the ratio of weight versus height. An overweight individual will have a BMI of 25 to 30 kg/m2. The obese individual has a BMI that exceeds 30 kg/m2.

 Hypertension

This disease is otherwise termed as high blood pressure. It is classified as a chronic cardiac medical condition wherein the systemic blood pressure of an individual is abnormally elevated. Hypertension of a persistent form can lead to strokes, heart failure, chronic kidney failure, myocardial infarcts or arterial aneurysms.

The two causes of hypertension are:

1) Essential Hypertension
It is the most common type and may have no direct cause. It is linked to factors like stress, low birth weight, smoking, little exercise, potassium deficiency, obesity, sensitivity to salt, alcohol consumption, vitamin D deficiency and visceral obesity. The probability of developing this disease is increased by aging and genetics.

2) Secondary Hypertension
This is hypertension that can be linked to a cause. This sort of hypertension will only be resolved if the trigger factor is treated. It stems from a systemic imbalance related to the hormone-regulating endocrine system. This is responsible for normalizing how the heart functions and the volume of plasma in our system. Hypertension can be caused by Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, kidney problems, tumors in the adrenal medulla, and drugs (prescription and illegal).
Hypertension can be treated by increased physical activity, a change of eating habits, weight loss and maintenance medication. The medicine commonly given to lower blood pressure are antihypertensives. It is usually prescribed along with other drugs like ACE inhibitors, diuretics, alpha blockers, beta blockers, direct renin inhibitors and angiotension II receptor antagonists.

 Congestive Heart Failure

Heart failure is a chronic, long-term condition, although it can sometimes develop suddenly. It may involve the left or right side. Most cases involve both sides. This happens when your heart cannot pump the blood out properly. This condition is termed a systolic heart failure. When your cardiac muscles are stiff and cannot fill up with blood properly, this is called diastolic heart failure. If this persists, blood and fluid may build up in other organs. This is commonly observed in the arms, legs, GIT (Gastrointestinal tract), lungs and in the liver.

The major causes of Heart Failure are:

1) Coronary Heart Disease (CAD) - this causes the small blood vessels to narrow and slows down the rate in which blood and oxygen enter the heart.

2) Cardiomyopathy - when an infection compromises the strength of the cardiac muscle.

3) Congenital Heart Disease - a defect in the heart or major blood vessels which is present at birth.

4) Heart Valve Disease- a congenital or acquired disease that affects any valve of the heart.

5) Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) - occurs when blood cannot enter the heart (usually through the Coronary Artery) which causes death of the cardiac cells.

6) Cardiac Arrhythmia - abnormal heartbeat

Your family doctor usually prescribes ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers and diuretics. These medications are given as maintenance drugs. They should be taken daily at proper intervals to ensure their efficacy. As the person ages, the dosages are usually increased.

 Congestive Heart Failure can be prevented by keeping your lifestyle healthy. Drink in moderation and don't smoke. Stay active and fit. Thirty minutes of cardio a day can do wonders. Most importantly, watch what you eat.

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