Why you should consider obesity a disease?

In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) passed a resolution in which they recognized obesity as a disease. Obesity is recognized as an abnormal condition, which has the ability to interrupt the regular function of the human body. It is also associated with variety of signs and symptoms including disorders and syndromes. Many top cardiologists in NYC will agree with the AMA on this issue.

Obesity is usually described as an elevated body mass index (BMI). BMI is a formula, which uses an individual’s height and weight. In any individual, BMI over 30 is usually categorized as obese. However, some issues emerge in using BMI to measure weight according to height. It may overestimate body fat in athletes and other people with a muscular physique. Another issue with BMI is that, it may underestimate a person’s body fat who has lost muscle mass or who is old.

There are some improved methods to measure obesity in an individual. This include calculating belly fat in which waist circumference is measured. According to this method, a waist size greater than 35 inches (for women) and 40 inches (for men) can increase the health risks related to obesity.

According to an estimate, one in every three Americans is obese. Health complications related to obesity includes type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol & elevated triglycerides, high blood pressure, and high lipids. It also includes cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke. Metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of high blood sugar with high blood pressure and obesity, is also included in these complications. According to a study, obesity can increase the risk of death from heart attacks by 60% in obese people compared to non-obese people.

Expert cardiologists recommend early detection of obesity in patients. They also recommend early evaluation for the health complications related to obesity in patients. These complications include high blood pressure, high blood sugar or type 2 diabetes and elevated lipids. It also includes the increased probability of risk for heart attack or stroke in patients. You can get this evaluation done after consulting with your doctor at a specialized healthcare center.

How Aspirin is Useful in Preventing Heart Attacks?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently denied the pharmaceutical company Bayer’s request to increase the use of low dose aspirin in the prevention of heart attacks.

In 2003, Bayer requested the FDA to expand the recommendation for using aspirin for primary prevention. The American Heart Association also suggested in 2002 to use it for the primary prevention of patients that are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Earlier in 1998, the FDA permitted labeling for aspirin and its related products in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Secondary prevention means that these products can be used for individuals with a history of heart attack, coronary artery disease, and angina.

It also includes patients who have undergone revascularization treatments such as angioplasty or stent placement and coronary bypass surgery.

Aspirin helps prevent blood clots and decreases inflammation in the body, which makes it effective for cardiovascular disease. Risk factors associated to the use of Aspirin include allergy and gastrointestinal intolerance, and gastrointestinal and intracerebral bleeding.

The FDA denied Bayer’s request after a review over several years because the risks are higher than its benefits. However, the Food and Drug Administration noted that the recommendation might be expanded at a future date with further ongoing studies.

Baby aspirin is recommended in the secondary prevention for heart attacks at a dose of 81 milligrams per day. However, the use of this product should be started only after proper consultation with a physician. According to the best cardiologists in New York, individuals should consult with a cardiologist to evaluate the total cardiovascular risk.