High BMI linked to heart attack, stroke in young women

Key Words:BIM;obesity;women

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WASHINGTON, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A nationwide study of women in Denmark who are of child-bearing age finds that those who are obese appear to have a much greater risk of heart attack or stroke, according to research presented Thursday at the American College of Cardiology's 62nd Annual Scientific Session.

In fact, women with a high body mass index (BMI) were twice as likely as those of normal weight to suffer a potentially life- threatening heart attack or stroke within just four to five years following childbirth. BMI, which measures body fat based on an individual's weight and height, is used to define the obesity and overweight categories.

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen said while these cardiac events are very rare among women of this age, there is a very clear and strong link between carrying excess weight and suffering a heart attack or stroke. These associations remained unchanged even after accounting for other pregnancy-associated complications or cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking.

"Young women need to be aware that there are serious health risks associated with obesity and poor lifestyle habits, and these (negative effects) appear to set in early," said Michelle Schmiegelow, lead investigator of the study.
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