Medically reviewed by Dr Pinakin V Parekh, General & Interventional Cardiologist (MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), GDFM (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCP (Glasgow)). Last Updated: 2026, 28 August
Founder & Medical Director of Trident Heart Centre
Dr Pinakin V Parekh is an interventional cardiologist in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in heart care. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of heaart diseases, including procedures such as angiogram and angioplasty.
Obesity is a medical condition where excess body fat can affect health and increase the risk of long-term diseases.
It is usually assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI), along with waist circumference and overall health risk.
Obesity is not just about appearance — it is a condition that can affect multiple organs, especially the heart.
Obesity increases strain on the cardiovascular system over time.
It can:
Together, these changes significantly raise the risk of heart disease.
Obesity affects the heart in several important ways that increase long-term cardiovascular risk:
The heart has to pump harder to supply blood throughout the body, increasing long-term strain.
Extra body weight can increase resistance in blood vessels, leading to hypertension.
Obesity is linked to higher LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which can cause plaque build-up in arteries.
Obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, which is strongly linked to heart disease.
Obesity can contribute to sleep apnea, which may increase strain on the heart and blood pressure.
Obesity increases the risk of several serious cardiovascular conditions, including:
These risks often develop gradually and may not cause symptoms early on.
Some people may experience:
However, many individuals have no symptoms at all in early stages.
You should consider a medical assessment if:
Even without symptoms, obesity can still affect heart health silently.
Obesity is closely linked to early changes in the heart and blood vessels.
A cardiology assessment helps to:
This is especially important because many people with obesity feel well until complications develop.
A cardiologist may recommend:
Checks for hypertension, which is common in obesity.
Assesses cholesterol, blood sugar, and metabolic risk.
Checks for rhythm abnormalities or heart strain.
Uses ultrasound to assess heart structure and pumping function.
Evaluates how the heart performs under physical activity.
Checks for narrowing or plaque in the heart arteries.
Managing obesity is not just about weight loss, it is about reducing long-term cardiovascular risk.
For some patients, prescription weight loss medications may be recommended alongside lifestyle changes to support weight reduction and improve long-term heart health.
This may include:
These medications are not suitable for everyone. Your cardiologist will assess your overall health, cardiovascular risk, and treatment goals before recommending whether they are appropriate.
Addressing these together significantly improves heart health outcomes.
Yes, in many cases, reducing weight and improving lifestyle habits can:
For selected patients, prescription weight loss medications, including modern GLP-1 injections, may help achieve and maintain meaningful weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
You should consider seeing a cardiologist if:
A cardiologist can help identify hidden heart disease and guide long-term prevention.
Patients often value Dr Pinakin’s approach because it focuses on more than just weight.
Understanding obesity as part of overall cardiovascular risk.
Checking for early signs of heart disease even before symptoms appear.
Recommending lifestyle changes, modern weight loss medications such as GLP-1 injections where appropriate, and cardiovascular risk reduction strategies based on each patient’s individual needs.
Yes. Obesity increases the risk of coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks.
Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. A cardiologist can assess your heart health early, detect hidden risk, and help prevent complications such as heart attack or stroke.
For selected patients, yes. Modern GLP-1 weight loss medications can help people with obesity lose weight and may also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. A cardiologist can determine whether these medications are appropriate based on your overall health and cardiovascular risk.
Heart risk can often be reduced with lifestyle changes and medical management of associated conditions.
Obesity is linked to heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.
Dr Pinakin uses current, evidence-based methods to carefully evaluate and treat heart conditions, helping you feel confident in your care.
Every patient is treated as an individual, with attention to your full health and lifestyle, not just the heart problem.
From assessment to treatment, screenings and procedures are conveniently coordinated in one place for a smoother, more reassuring experience.
