Vascular disease: obesity and excess weight as modulators of risk

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Vascular Biology
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (heart attacks) and cerebral artery disease (stroke) are leading causes of acute vascular events.
• Venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are significant causes of hospital-associated acute vascular events.
• Increased bodyweight is a pervasive risk factor for vascular disease across all life stages, from intrauterine growth to adulthood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline major risks associated with vascular diseases leading to vascular injury.
• To describe the modulatory role of increased bodyweight in promoting vascular disease risks.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of established risk factors for vascular disease.
• Analysis of mechanisms linking increased bodyweight to vascular pathology.
• Synthesis of current understanding of obesity's impact on vascular health.

Main Results:

• Vascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, are primary causes of acute vascular events.
• Excess bodyweight, starting from early development, exacerbates multiple risk factors for vascular disease.
• Mechanisms by which increased bodyweight promotes vascular injury and acute events are multifaceted.

Conclusions:

• Increased bodyweight is a critical, modifiable risk factor for a spectrum of vascular diseases.
• Understanding the link between bodyweight and vascular injury is crucial for developing preventative strategies.
• Addressing obesity is essential for mitigating the global burden of acute vascular events.