Belly Fat & Heart Disease Risk: Doctor Warns of Increased Danger | Cholesterol & Heart Attack Recovery
A 10-centimeter increase in abdominal circumference raises the risk of heart disease by 15 percent, even in individuals with a normal weight, according to a warning issued by Dr. Khaled Al-Nimer, a consultant cardiologist and coronary catheterization specialist. The physician also cautioned that discontinuing cholesterol medication after a heart attack triples the risk of death.
Dr. Al-Nimer explained that visceral fat contributes to the acceleration of arterial stiffening. His warning, delivered on March 22, 2026, underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy waistline as a key factor in cardiovascular health.
The dangers of abruptly stopping cholesterol medication were further emphasized, with Dr. Al-Nimer citing cases of patients experiencing severe complications after discontinuing treatment based on non-medical advice. One such case involved a woman who, following a neighbor’s suggestion, ceased taking her cholesterol medication two months prior to suffering a serious heart attack that could have been prevented with continued treatment. He described cholesterol medication as “the strongest line of defense” against recurrent heart attacks, stating that stopping it leaves patients vulnerable.
Recent research highlighted by Dr. Al-Nimer indicates that most heart attacks don’t originate in the narrowest part of the coronary artery as commonly believed. Instead, they often begin with inflammation in small fissures within soft, uncalcified cholesterol deposits, ultimately leading to a complete blockage of the artery. He stressed that prevention is significantly more important than simply knowing the percentage of arterial blockage.
Dr. Al-Nimer also noted the link between psychological stress and cholesterol levels, explaining that repeated psychological stress elevates cortisol levels, which in turn increases cholesterol production in the liver. He advocates for daily calm as a preventative measure for heart health.
Cases of patients requiring emergency care and intensive care unit admission due to stopping cholesterol medication without medical consultation are reported daily, according to Dr. Al-Nimer. He emphasized that treatment is not a temporary measure for those who have previously experienced a heart attack or undergone cardiac stenting, but rather a continuous form of protection that should only be discontinued under the direct guidance of a treating physician.