The waistline of women is linked to heart health – explains Professor Daniela Lucini, Head of the Section for Exercise Medicine and Functional Diseases at Humanitas – In fact, a circumference of less than 80cm is proven to be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, as well as metabolic and inflammatory diseases. It would also seem that a waistline beyond 88cm increases the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly. In addition to the waistline, the distribution of adipose tissue also plays an important role in determining the risk to heart health. In fact, fat in the abdominal area would be more dangerous than that accumulated fat on the hips or the much-hated cellulite. This is because visceral fat is metabolically active, producing substances that promote inflammation and atherogenesis with consequent increase of cardiovascular and metabolic risk. To protect your cardiovascular system and thus your heart’s health, you need to reduce the amount of adipose tissue accumulated at the waist. For this purpose, in case of a “significant” waist, avoid do-it-yourself treatment, but consult an experienced doctor who will recommend the appropriate food program, as well as specific exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles and restore the correct posture, altered by abdominal weight. Of course, waistline measurements and accumulation of abdominal fat are not the only risk factors for the cardiovascular system. Blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as diet and lifestyle, and lack of physical activity are also a danger to heart health.
