David Carrizo, MD: "High blood pressure isn't just a salt problem. In most cases, it's related to excess visceral fat."

High blood pressure is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease , and although for years it has been primarily linked to high salt intake, other physical conditions also play a role. Dr. David Carrizo , a specialist in Family and Community Medicine and a scientific communicator on metabolic health, has focused on a silent but crucial cause: visceral fat .

In one of his latest videos, Carrizo explains that high blood pressure shouldn't be understood solely as a direct consequence of sodium. "High blood pressure isn't just a salt problem. In most cases, it's related to excess visceral fat, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance ," the specialist warns.

Excess fat and hypertension

The physician emphasizes that "more than 70% of hypertension cases are related to excess weight." And, as he himself emphasizes, "obesity, ultimately, is not simply the accumulation of fat. It is a chronic inflammatory state that alters multiple body systems, including the cardiovascular system."

The problem worsens when this fat is concentrated in the abdominal area. According to Carrizo, the accumulation of visceral fat activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing sustained vasoconstriction that prevents blood vessels from relaxing normally. Added to this is increased sodium and water retention by the kidneys, which increases blood volume and, consequently, blood pressure.

Another key factor in this chain is insulin resistance, a common metabolic disorder in overweight people. “ Insulin resistance alters endothelial function and reduces the blood vessels' ability to dilate ,” explains the doctor. This endothelial dysfunction prevents the arteries from adapting to the body's needs, forcing the heart to work harder.

The result is a more deteriorated and exposed cardiovascular system , with a greater likelihood of suffering a heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage if not corrected promptly. For the specialist, addressing excess abdominal fat is not just a cosmetic issue, but a fundamental step in preventing serious diseases.

Improve pressure and reduce risks

The positive side, according to Carrizo, is that small changes can have a big impact. “ With a loss of between 5% and 10% of body weight, many patients achieve improved blood pressure without needing to increase their medication ,” she notes. This reduction contributes to normalizing vascular function and easing the strain on the heart and kidneys.

“Treating obesity isn't as simple as just losing weight. Treating high blood pressure and improving your quality of life also means preventing heart attacks , strokes, and kidney damage,” the doctor concludes. His message is clear: by addressing the root of the problem, the entire system is strengthened and overall health is improved.