Overweight? Why extra pounds are hard on your heart.

If you weigh more than you should, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults are obese.

A recent Cleveland Clinic survey reveals that while most Americans correctly associate being overweight or obese with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, many are unaware that obesity is also linked to high LDL cholesterol levels, coronary heart disease and heart failure.

Cardiologist Kenneth Nelson, DO, who sees patients at Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital, Richard E. Jacobs and Lorain family health centers, explains how excess weight may increase your risk.

“When determining risk, it’s important to know your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and body mass index or BMI,” says Dr. Nelson.

BMI is a rough estimate of body fat based on your height and weight. A normal BMI range is 18.5 – 24.9. A BMI of 30+ is considered obese.

“Excess body fat increases your risk of major health problems. Research has shown us that the higher a person’s BMI, the greater their risk of: heart disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes. Losing even 5 to 10 percent of a person’s body weight will decrease their risk,” explains Dr. Nelson.

A person’s body fat percentage doesn’t determine their cholesterol levels. However excess fat will likely increase a person’s LDL or “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and decrease their levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.

High blood pressure occurs when the heart has to pump harder to deliver blood to a growing network of arteries in a larger body. Over time, untreated high blood pressure can cause the heart muscle to become thicker, increasing the risk of developing heart failure and arrhythmias.

“If you want to lose weight and reduce your risk, work with your physician to adopt a heart healthy lifestyle plan, including a Mediterranean-style diet and at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week,” says Dr. Nelson.

For an appointment with Dr. Nelson or another Cleveland Clinic cardiovascular medicine specialist, please call 440.204.7400. To learn more, visit clevelandclinic.org/loveyourheart.