Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
06:04

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

1.7K

Abdominal obesity is associated with arterial stiffness in middle-aged adults

B Strasser1, M Arvandi2, E P Pasha3

  • 1Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Institute for Nutritional Sciences and Physiology, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tyrol, Austria.

Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases : NMCD
|March 16, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Abdominal obesity and visceral fat are key indicators of arterial stiffness in middle-aged adults. These findings highlight the importance of specific adiposity measures for predicting arterial stiffening.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Obesity Research
  • Vascular Physiology

Background:

  • The relationship between general adiposity and arterial stiffness is debated.
  • Investigating specific fat distribution patterns is crucial for understanding cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if abdominal and visceral adipose tissue are superior predictors of arterial stiffness compared to general obesity.
  • To assess arterial stiffness in middle-aged adults.

Main Methods:

  • 146 middle-aged adults (50 years) were studied.
  • Arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) using the Omron VP-1000plus.
  • Obesity indicators (BMI, waist circumference, visceral fat mass via DXA) analyzed against PWV using multiple linear regressions.

Main Results:

  • Body Mass Index (BMI) showed a significant association with PWV, but not body fat percentage.
  • Abdominal obesity measures (waist circumference, visceral fat mass) strongly correlated with PWV.
  • Visceral fat mass and PWV were independently associated with arterial stiffness after adjusting for age and gender.

Conclusions:

  • Abdominal obesity and visceral fat accumulation are significantly linked to large artery stiffness.
  • These adiposity measures are important risk factors for arterial stiffening in middle-aged populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
Arterial complianceBody compositionCardiovascular fitnessMidlifeVisceral fat

More Related Videos

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

18.9K
Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound10:08

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound

Published on: December 2, 2014

16.6K

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.7K
Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...
1.6K
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
641
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
605
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
2.0K
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
2.2K