The World Health Organization considers cardiovascular disease to be the number one killer in the world and among the top risk factors for heart disease is obesity.

For every 10 years a person is obese, heart damage risk increases 1.25 percent. (Johns Hopkins Medicine)

For every 10 years, a person is obese, heart damage risk increases 1.25 percent. (Johns Hopkins Medicine)

A recent study led by researchers from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, in Maryland suggests the number of years a person was overweight or obese can also play a role in increasing the risk of heart disease.

The researchers say the number of years someone spends overweight or obese can combine to form a distinctive risk factor for so-called silent heart damage.

The study suggests that sustaining a healthy weight across one’s life is important for keeping the heart healthy and reducing damage as a person gets older.

The researchers point out that their study was only designed illuminate possible relationships long-term obesity and heart disease.

The study was published in January by the journal Clinical Chemistry.