While it is already well established that obesity increases the risk of heart failure, a new study has found that even a few extra kilos can increase this risk.

A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more is considered obese, while a BMI of between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. Researchers in Norway and the UK decided to assess whether those in the overweight category were also at risk of heart failure.

They analysed 12 studies involving over 360,000 people and found that those in the overweight category have an increased risk of developing heart failure.

This risk increased the heavier a person was and there were no differences found between men and women.

"Overweight individuals had a 35% increased risk of heart failure as compared with normal weight individuals, and our findings indicate that overweight should be considered a clear risk factor for heart failure," the researchers commented.

Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. Symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness and swollen ankles and around 90,000 people are currently living with the condition in Ireland.

Obesity is a known risk factor and the increasing incidence of obesity, along with an ageing population, is expected to lead to a big increase in heart failure cases in the future.

The researchers noted that carrying weight around the abdominal area was particularly risky. Every 10cm increase in waist circumference was linked to a 29% higher risk of heart failure.

For example, men with a 105cm waist circumference almost doubled their risk of developing heart failure compared to men with an 83cm waist. Women with a 90cm waist circumference had an 80% increased risk compared to women with a 70cm waist.

"Waist circumference measurements can easily be taken at a regular medical examination and can help when considering the patient's risk of heart failure," the researchers said.

They believe these findings have major implications for public health.

"More and more people in the world are overweight or obese, and the population is steadily ageing. Considered together, this could contribute to the number of new cases of heart failure increasing significantly in coming years," they warned.

They advised people to exercise regularly and eat a diet high in fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, Circulation.

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