Heart disease, stroke and obesity
If you're overweight or obese, you're more likely to have heart disease or a stroke.1 2 3
High blood pressure and high cholesterol can cause your arteries to become clogged with fat. It's more difficult for blood to flow through these narrowed arteries. Sometimes the fatty deposits form a blockage and stop blood getting though. Blockages can cause a heart attack or a stroke.
For more information, see our articles on high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attacks and stroke.
Sources for the information on this page:
- Gumbiner B (editor). Obesity. 3rd edition. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, U.S.A.; 2001.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. Available at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines (accessed 10 April 2008).
- Fairburn CG, Brownell KD. Eating disorders and obesity: a comprehensive handbook. 2nd edition. Psychology Press, London, UK; 2002.
This information was last updated in Oct 27, 2008
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This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved. |
