It's correct. Visceral fat, or belly fat, increases the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
This fat surrounds the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Visceral fat is metabolically active and can produce chemicals that cause inflammation and insulin resistance, unlike subcutaneous fat.
Heart disease: Triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol increase with visceral fat, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Type 2 diabetes: Visceral fat releases inflammatory chemicals that impair insulin sensitivity, causing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Hypertension: Inflammation and hormone release from visceral fat may cause hypertension.
Metabolic syndrome: Abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Stroke: Inflammation from visceral fat may also cause atherosclerosis, which increases stroke risk.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet can minimize abdominal fat and cardiovascular risk. Stress management and sleep are also vital for heart health. Always seek specialized cardiovascular health advice from healthcare professionals.