Surprisingly heart disease takes the lives of over 100 Americans every hour. Experts say that about 80 million people have been diagnosed with heart disease across the country, and that heart conditions are among the leading causes of mortality for woman and men in America. Since doctors and health care experts often tie heart disease to obesity, changes in diet and exercise routines are typically recommended for recently-diagnosed, overweight adults.
A recent study indicated that following weight-loss surgery, rates of diabetes and heart disease do decline significantly among formerly obese patients. Since one in three American adults is considered obese on existing body-mass indexes, the hope that changing diet and adhering to regular workout regimens can improve heart health can be exceptionally motivational and encouraging. The importance of routine check ups among patients with heart disease cannot be underestimated either.
In the last two decades, average weights among American adults have risen by more than 15 pounds; surprisingly, even people who test in the normal range for cholesterol can still suffer from heart attacks. Finding a hospital that works with patients to prescribe medication, if needed, and that also works to improve patients’ diet and exercise regimens can be an important step in reducing heart attack and mortality rates among people with heart disease.
Preventative medicine can be very helpful for people at risk of heart attacks, and finding a hospital with extensive outpatient services can also have a positive effect on long-term clinical outcomes. Support groups, exercise groups, and classes about nutrition can help heart patients shift their lifestyles and create a network of peers with similar diagnoses and interests. Sometimes, patients form exercise groups and track their progress together.
In the event that a patient’s heart condition merits an exploratory conversation about weight loss surgery, finding a medical professional who can explain the surgery fully can be an important first step. Most patients lose more than half of their excess weight in the first two years following the surgery; patients with heart disease or high cholesterol may be required to exercise or change their diets in advance of any scheduled surgery.
