Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease: a Risk Factor or a Risk Marker?

Taher Mandviwala, Umair Khalid, Anita Deswal

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

208 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the USA, 69 % of adults are either overweight or obese and 35 % are obese. Obesity is associated with an increased incidence of various cardiovascular disorders. Obesity is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease, in that it is associated with a much higher prevalence of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, which then increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. However, in addition, obesity may also be an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, although obesity has been shown to be an independent risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases, it is often associated with improved survival once the diagnosis of the cardiovascular disease has been made, leading to the term “obesity paradox.” Several pathways linking obesity and cardiovascular disease have been described. In this review, we attempt to summarize the complex relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disorders, in particular coronary atherosclerosis, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number21
JournalCurrent atherosclerosis reports
Volume18
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2016

Keywords

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart failure
  • Hypertension
  • Obesity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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