Obesity and cardiovascular disease: pathophysiology, evaluation, and effect of weight loss

Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2006 May;26(5):968-76. doi: 10.1161/01.ATV.0000216787.85457.f3.

Abstract

Obesity is becoming a global epidemic in both children and adults, and it is associated with numerous co-morbidities such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, and sleep apnea/sleep-disordered breathing. In fact, is an independent risk factor for CVD and CVD risks have been also documented in obese children, and is associated with reduced life expectancy. A variety of adaptations/alterations in cardiac structure and function occur in the individual as adipose tissue accumulates in excess amount. As a whole, overweight/obesity predispose or is associated with numerous cardiac complications such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, and sudden death through its impact on the cardiovascular system.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Coronary Disease / etiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Health Services
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Venous Insufficiency / etiology
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology
  • Weight Loss*