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Risk Reduction for Heart & Vascular Disease

Excess Weight
You are overweight if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater or a waist size of more than 40 inches in men and more than 35 inches in women. Excess weight can lead to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Elevated cholesterol

Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
BMI measures body fat based on height and weight. The measurement applies to both men and women. Higher BMI may indicate higher risk for obesity-related disease.

   
  Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
 
Weight (in pounds)  
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  (feet) (inches)



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Diet and exercise are key to weight loss. You need to lower your total calorie intake by 500 calories per day to have a one pound weight loss per week. A comprehensive weight management program is available through the Wellness Institute

Risk factors that can be modified include:

  • High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart and vascular disease
  • The American Heart Association has identified tobacco use to be the single most important risk factor for heart and vascular disease.
  • High blood pressure raises your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
  • Lack of regular exercise (sedentary lifestyle) increases your risk for heart and vascular disease
  • Heart and vascular disease occurs at an earlier age and progresses faster in persons with diabetes.
  • Excess Weight can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels.
  • Depression increases the likelihood that cardiovascular disease will develop and it predicts poorer recovery following a cardiac or vascular event. Depression also makes it more difficult to stop smoking and to engage in a healthy lifestyle.
  • Stress can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure and overeating.


Review Date: 01/07