Media Kampung – 23 Maret 2026 | Recent study reveals that individuals with normal BMI can still face elevated risk of heart failure due to excess abdominal fat.
The research was presented at the American Heart Association’s EPI Lifestyle Scientific Session 2026 and involved nearly 2,000 adults monitored for almost seven years.
Findings show waist circumference and waist‑to‑height ratio correlate more strongly with heart‑failure incidence than BMI alone.
Participants with a large waist despite a BMI in the 18.5‑24.9 range exhibited a statistically significant rise in heart‑failure events.
The underlying mechanism is the metabolic activity of visceral fat, which secretes inflammatory cytokines that trigger systemic inflammation.
Blood tests indicated higher levels of C‑reactive protein among those with greater abdominal girth, linking inflammation to cardiac deterioration.
Researchers estimate that roughly 25‑33 percent of the association between abdominal fat and heart failure is mediated by inflammatory pathways.
This suggests that visceral fat functions not only as energy storage but also as a source of biological stress on the cardiovascular system.
Traditional reliance on BMI may overlook individuals whose weight appears normal yet harbor dangerous fat deposits around the organs.
Simple measurement of waist circumference can therefore serve as a low‑cost, reliable screening tool for early detection of cardiac risk.
Health professionals recommend that adults maintain a waist size below 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women, regardless of BMI classification.
Lifestyle interventions such as regular aerobic exercise, reduced saturated fat intake, and adequate sleep have been shown to shrink visceral fat and lower inflammatory markers.
A spokesperson from the American Heart Association emphasized that early assessment of body composition should complement weight management in preventive cardiology.
The shift toward assessing fat distribution aligns with broader trends in personalized medicine, where biomarkers guide tailored interventions.
In summary, normal BMI does not guarantee heart health; measuring abdominal girth and addressing inflammation are essential steps to mitigate heart‑failure risk.
Artikel ini dipublikasikan oleh Media Kampung.
Tinggalkan Balasan