A heart attack is a life-threatening medical emergency that happens when the blood supply to the heart is blocked, leading to damage or death of the heart muscle.

In 2016, heart disease was responsible for 18.6 million deaths worldwide, making it the leading cause of death globally. Many factors can increase the risk of heart attack, including age, genetics, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. In this article, we will focus on how weight impacts your survival rate in case of a heart attack.

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of a person’s weight in relation to their height. It is a widely used tool to determine whether someone is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²)). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines BMI categories as follows:.

Underweight: BMI < 18.5
Normal weight: BMI 18.5 – 24.9
Overweight: BMI 25 – 29.9
Obese: BMI ≥ 30

How Does Obesity Increase the Risk of Heart Attack?

Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, is a major risk factor for heart disease, including heart attack.

When a person is obese, their body mass index is higher than 30, which means they have excess body fat that can lead to the buildup of plaque (a fatty substance) in the arteries. This buildup can cause the arteries to narrow and harden, leading to atherosclerosis, a condition that reduces blood flow to the heart and other organs. Atherosclerosis can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart diseases.

Impact of Obesity on Survival Rate

Obese individuals who suffer a heart attack are at a higher risk of dying compared to individuals of normal weight.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, obese patients who were hospitalized for a heart attack had a 35% higher risk of death compared to patients of normal weight. Another study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that obese patients were 40% more likely to die within a year of their first heart attack compared to non-obese patients.

How Losing Weight Can Lower the Risk of Heart Attack

Losing weight can significantly lower the risk of heart attack and other heart diseases.

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, overweight and obese individuals who lost at least 5% of their body weight had significant improvements in their cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Losing more weight resulted in even greater improvements in these risk factors.

Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that after one year of a weight-loss program, overweight and obese patients had a 31% reduction in their risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events.

How to Lose Weight

Losing weight can be challenging, but it is achievable with the right mindset, diet, and exercise. Here are some tips on how to lose weight:.

Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Limit your intake of sugar, saturated fat, and processed foods.
Avoid skipping meals, as it can lead to overeating later on.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. This can include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or any other form of exercise that you enjoy.
Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep can lead to overeating and weight gain.
Seek support from friends, family, or a healthcare professional if you need help with your weight loss journey.

Conclusion

Obesity is a major risk factor for heart attack and other heart diseases, and it can also increase the risk of death in case of a heart attack.

Losing weight can significantly lower the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events, as well as improve the overall health and well-being of an individual. By following a healthy, balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and seeking support when needed, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of heart attack.