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Obesity

HeartCare Associates of Connecticut

Cardiovascular Specialists located in Hamden, East Haven, North Haven, West Haven & Wallingford, CT

Obesity is a major health risk, but it’s not an insurmountable problem. If you lose 3% of your body weight, you can reduce blood sugar levels, and dropping 10% of your total weight can help you combat hypertension and high cholesterol. At HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, with locations in Hamden, East Haven, North Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford, Connecticut, the heart health experts are ready to help you overcome obesity and improve your health. Book an appointment online or by phone today.

Obesity Q & A

What types of food can help me fight obesity?

The HeartCare Associates of Connecticut team understands that overcoming obesity can seem overwhelming in the beginning, and that’s why they focus on helping you make healthy changes that can help you not only lose weight but also stay healthy for a lifetime. 

The goal isn’t starvation or extreme dieting, but instead, making better nutrition choices. You learn how to swap empty calorie foods for nutrient-dense options like fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.

To lose weight successfully, and improve your heart health as well, it’s important to limit saturated fat, sweets, and alcohol. 

Don’t forget about beverage calories, either. Having one sugary soda a day can set back your weight loss effort, so replace caloric drinks with water whenever possible. A small treat occasionally isn’t an issue, as long as you’re making smart food choices most of the time. 

How much exercise should I do to lose weight?

The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 150 minutes (2.5 hours or 30 minutes five times a week) of cardiovascular exercise per week to help keep your heart healthy and maintain your weight. 

For weight loss, many experts advise exercising for longer periods, up to 60 minutes per session. The HeartCare Associates of Connecticut team works together to determine safe and healthy exercise recommendations for your specific needs.

Monitoring your weight closely by weighing yourself at least once a week is important when you’re trying to prevent obesity or lose extra weight. But, remember that muscle weighs more than fat, so the scale may not always be accurate. 

Routine check-ins with a specialist at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut can help you discover how much fat you have lost to decrease your body mass index. 

How does obesity affect heart health?

When you’re obese, it causes physical and functional changes in your heart. Your heart expends extra effort to pump blood when you carry extra weight, which makes the heart muscle thicken. When your heart’s thicker, it struggles harder to beat. Eventually, this can lead to heart failure.

Obese men and women are prone to hypertension, which puts you at risk for heart attack and stroke. Also, obesity has a close connection to high cholesterol and atherosclerosis, which means your arteries are clogged with plaque. 

Atherosclerosis can prevent your heart from receiving the oxygenated blood it needs to function properly.

How can I get control of my food binges?

Knowing your food traps is the best way to gain control. Start a food journal to help you monitor this. Write down everything you eat, noting the time and amount of food. Also, note your feelings when you eat and your actual hunger level. 

Reviewing the journal can help you find the patterns. Once you know what your food traps are, you can implement alternative actions to stay in control and avoid binges. 

The HeartCare Associates of Connecticut team is here to help you achieve both heart health and a healthy weight. Use online booking or call the location nearest you to schedule an appointment now.

Services

What We Offer

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HeartCare Associates of Connecticut provides the highest level of care to our patients. From treatments of common coronary problems, to non-invasive and state-of-the-art procedures, to life saving surgeries our dedicated and compassionate staff will make you feel at ease.

Some of the most common illnesses and issues we treat are:

  • Aneurysms

  • Cardiac Catherterization, Angiography & Stenting

  • Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Center

  • Coronary Bypass Surgery

  • Coronary Heart Disease

  • Coumadin & Anticoagulation Clinic

  • Diabetes

  • Dizziness, Palpitations, & Heart Rhythmn

  • Heart Valve Problems

  • High Cholesterol & Triglycerides

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Nuclear Cardiac Scanning

  • Nutrition Programs

  • Pacemakers

  • Peripheral Arterial Disease

  • Preventive Health Programs

  • Stroke Prevention

  • Swelling (Edema) of the Legs & Ankles

  • Treatment & Prevention of Obesity

  • Ultrasound Testing & Echocardiography

  • Vein Care

  • Womens Health