Study: Extra Pounds Linked To Heart Failure

Research May Provide Stongest Evidence Yet

BOSTON -- There's new evidence that being just a little overweight can hurt your heart.

New research from the Framingham Heart Study could be the strongest evidence yet that obesity can cause heart trouble -- even if you don't have other risk factors.

When the scale goes up, your risk of heart failure does, too, if you're overweight -- even if your cholesterol and blood pressure are OK.

Researchers reviewed data from more than 5,000 people over 15 years. They found the risk of heart failure was 34 percent higher for those who were overweight and 104 percent higher for those who were obese.

"For every unit increase in body mass index, there was a 5 to 7 percent increase in risk of heart failure," Framingham Heart Study's Dr. Ramachandran Vasan said.

That means as little as 5 pounds over your ideal weight may tip the scale toward trouble.

Elliott Margolis, 53, has diabetes that puts him at even a great risk for heart trouble. He's been trying to slim down.

"You know you have leftovers after supper, but by morning there were no leftovers. I don't do that any more," Margolis said.

Some experts point out that it's not just fat in general, but that fat around the midsection that's most dangerous.

"The cells in the abdomen make proteins that circulate in the body, land in the heart and blood vessels, and can cause plaque in the coronary arteries and hurt the heart muscle," Lahey Clinic's Dr. Richard Nesto said.

He said the message needs to hit heavy and early on during childhood.

"We have to get the word out that obesity itself is modifiable, and this should be emphasized in these younger age groups," Nesto said.

The research could have important implications, Mann said.

If a government panel adds obesity as a major risk factor for high blood pressure and cholesterol, the authors said that it could put pressure on insurance companies to cover the cost of weight loss programs.

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