Body Fat and Heart Disease Survival
Association of body mass index and waist circumference with long-term mortality risk in 10,370 coronary patients and potential modification by lifestyle and health determinants
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Normal weight (BMI <25) had higher mortality than overweight (BMI 25-30) in heart disease patients
Common belief is that normal weight is always healthier, but this study shows the opposite for CAD patients.
Practical Takeaways
Heart disease patients should focus on waist circumference (not just BMI) and aim for BMI 25-30 rather than strict normal weight.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Normal weight (BMI <25) had higher mortality than overweight (BMI 25-30) in heart disease patients
Common belief is that normal weight is always healthier, but this study shows the opposite for CAD patients.
Practical Takeaways
Heart disease patients should focus on waist circumference (not just BMI) and aim for BMI 25-30 rather than strict normal weight.
Publication
Journal
PLOS ONE
Year
2024
Authors
E. Cruijsen, N. Bonekamp, C. Koopal, R.M. Winkels, F. Visseren, J. Geleijnse
Related Content
Claims (7)
People with heart disease who have the largest waist sizes have a 19% higher chance of dying from any cause compared to those with medium waist sizes.
In people with heart disease, having a body mass index around 27 is linked to the lowest chance of dying from any cause, while both lower and higher BMIs are associated with higher risks.
People with heart disease who are obese (BMI 30 or higher) have a 23% higher chance of dying from any cause compared to those who are overweight (BMI 25-30).
Obese heart disease patients who are inactive have a 30% higher death risk compared to overweight inactive patients, while active obese patients have a 19% higher risk compared to active overweight patients.
The pattern where both very low and very high body mass index increase death risk in heart disease patients holds true regardless of whether they smoke, are physically active, or have different education levels.