[Deleterious role of adipose tissue on cardiovascular disease]

Obesity corresponds to excessive weight caused by an increase in energetic stores. It can be considered a disease of adipose tissue, with an increase of triglycerides inside adipose cells. There is a "J" curve between body mass index and mortality. Incidence of angina pectoris, sudden death and, to a lesser extent, acute myocardial infarction, is increased in obese subjects. However, this relation is strongly mediated by the influence of obesity on conventional risk factors (diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, and hemostatic disorders. However, the distribution of body fat mass is also important. In particular, excessive abdominal fat is independently associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Regarding therapeutic management, obesity must be considered a chronic disorder and justifies long term measures, rather than the simple prescription of a diet. Last, prevention of obesity should be one of the goals of a health policy in industrialized countries.