Visceral fat, or abdominal fat, increases heart disease risk through multiple physiological mechanisms:
Inflammation: Metabolically active visceral fat releases cytokines and adipokines. These compounds can cause chronic low-grade inflammation throughout the body, particularly in the arteries, which can progress to atherosclerosis, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Insulin Resistance and Diabetes: Excess visceral fat is significantly linked to insulin resistance, which reduces cell response to insulin. Insulin resistance can cause type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar. Insulin resistance and diabetes increase heart disease risk.
The "good" cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides are typically linked to visceral fat buildup. Dyslipidemia raises heart disease and atherosclerosis risk.
Hypertension: Excess visceral fat raises blood pressure. Hypertension strains the heart and blood arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Blood Clotting: Visceral fat gain may enhance blood clotting factors, making it prothrombotic. This increases the chance of artery blood clots, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.
Metabolic syndrome, caused by extra belly fat, greatly raises the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
Reduce abdominal fat with lifestyle changes including regular exercise and a nutritious diet to lessen heart disease risk.
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