The obesity paradox in cardiac arrest patients

Abstract

Evidence from clinical cohorts indicates an obesity paradox in overweight and obese patients who seem to have a more favorable short-term and long-term prognosis than leaner patients. Although obese cardiac arrest victims are theoretically more difficult to be resuscitated due to difficulties in providing adequate chest compressions, ventilation, and oxygenation, research so far has shown that there is an obesity paradox in cardiac arrest.

Keywords: Cardiac arrest; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Obesity paradox; Outcome.