Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Increases With Rise In BMI - Study

Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Increases With Rise In BMI

There is a direct correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the risk of having an Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), a large new study has found.

After analyzing data from 75,627 white individuals in Copenhagen, the researchers of the study concluded that there is a 26% increase in risk of IHD for every 4 kg/m2 increase in BMI. 

"These data add evidence to support a causal link between increased BMI and IHD risk, though the mechanism may ultimately be through intermediate factors like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes," the researchers wrote.

The study was published Tuesday in the journal "PLoS Medicine."

"In light of rising obesity levels, these findings are fundamental to improving public health," said study co-author Dr. Nicholas Timpson. "Our research shows that shifting to a lifestyle that promotes a lower BMI -- even if it does nothing else -- will reduce the odds of developing the disease."

A measure of body fat, one's BMI is computed by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared; a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 indicates obesity.

IHD, meanwhile, is a disease characterized by reduced blood supply to the heart. It is the most common cause of death in most western countries.