Preliminary communication

Obesity as a risk factor for cardiovascular-coronary diseases

Natalija Uršulin-Trstenjak orcid.org/0000-0003-2704-8090 ; Sveučilište Sjever, Sveučilišni centar Varaždin, Varaždin, Hrvatska
Davor Levanić orcid.org/0000-0003-1940-848X ; Sveučilište Sjever, Sveučilišni centar Varaždin, Varaždin, Hrvatska
Martina Hasaković-Felja ; Sveučilište Sjever, Sveučilišni centar Varaždin, Varaždin, Hrvatska

Abstract

Among the leading causes of death today, cardiovascular diseases are at the top. The problems of obesity, being overweight, lack of physical activity and poor everyday diet, cause an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Prevention at an early age, as well as a continuing lifelong education are important factors in the prevention of obesity. Here the nurse’s work is of extreme importance. The nurse participates in educating in adequate nutrition and provides it in a hospital setting and continuously educates about the importance of physical activity within the boundaries of the person’s capabilities.
This paper will confirm the assumptions regarding the connection between obesity and the appearance of chronic diseases. Based on the obtained results, the influence of a nurse is reflected in raising the patients’ awareness of the increased BMI (body mass index) and of the health problems that arise from it. The nurse has a challenging task to educate by encouraging and implementing the plan to lower the patient’s BMI. This aim requires gaining the trust of the patient and carrying out the plan consistently. It encompasses a healthy diet, physical activity and prevention of bad habits.

Keywords

BMI (body mass index); obesity; cardiovascular diseases; diet

Hrčak ID:

140778

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/140778

Publication date:

15.6.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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