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Overweight and obesity in the context of heart failure: implications for practice and future research
Lorraine S Evangelista1, Pamela S Miller
1School of Nursing, University of California-Los Angeles, 700 Tiverton, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6918, USA. levangel@ucla.edu
Insights
Overweight and obesity's impact on heart failure (HF) is complex, with studies showing both risks and benefits to survival. Lifestyle modifications are key for managing HF in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Obesity Medicine
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is a significant cardiovascular disease with high hospitalization rates.
- The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity presents a growing public health challenge.
- Overweight and obesity are traditionally linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual effects of overweight and obesity on heart failure outcomes.
- To explore the implications for future research directions in HF.
- To provide practice recommendations for lifestyle modification in HF patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining overweight/obesity and HF survival.
- Analysis of data on the association between body mass and HF prognosis.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding lifestyle interventions for HF management.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests overweight and obesity may have protective effects on survival post-heart failure onset.
- Contrasting data exists, highlighting a complex relationship between body mass and HF outcomes.
- Lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are recommended.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between overweight/obesity and heart failure is multifaceted, requiring further investigation.
- Clinical practice should consider the nuanced effects of body weight on HF prognosis.
- Personalized lifestyle interventions are crucial for optimizing heart failure care.
Abstract:
Heart failure (HF) is a major cardiovascular disorder, public health concern, and growing epidemic that affects approximately 5,000,000 people in the United States with 550,000 new cases reported annually. The clinical and economic impact of HF is associated with high hospitalization and early readmission rates. Recognizing factors that contribute to increasing the risk for HF, particularly the persistent rise in prevalence of overweight and obesity, may be imperative to reducing the burdens of this poorly prognostic disease process. Overweight and obesity have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and have incited extensive interest in therapeutic interventions. However, within the last decade, studies have illustrated the positive effects of overweight and obesity on survival after the onset of HF, which has prompted a variance of opinion within the healthcare community. This article reviews data supporting both the negative and positive effects of overweight and obesity in relationship to HF with implications for future research, and describes recommendations for practice as it relates to lifestyle modification through diet, exercise, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
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