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Obesity, arterial function and arterial structure - a systematic review and meta-analysis.
J Y A Ne1,2,3, T Y Cai1,2, D S Celermajer2
1Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders University of Sydney Australia.
Obesity Science & Practice
|July 14, 2017
Summary
Obesity negatively impacts vascular health, leading to impaired arterial endothelial function and increased subclinical atherosclerosis. This systematic review highlights obesity
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Obesity Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- The precise mechanisms linking obesity to CVD risk require further elucidation.
- Vascular health, encompassing endothelial function and atherosclerosis, is critical in CVD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between obesity and key vascular health parameters.
- To quantify the impact of obesity on arterial endothelial function using brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD).
- To assess the relationship between obesity and subclinical atherosclerosis via carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT).
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive electronic literature searches were performed in Ovid Medline and Embase.
- Studies investigating 'Obesity and flow-mediated dilatation' and 'Obesity and intima-media thickness' were included.
- Meta-analysis was used to pool data and derive estimates for FMD and CIMT in adults with and without obesity.
Main Results:
- Nineteen studies each for FMD and CIMT were included in the meta-analysis.
- Obesity was significantly associated with reduced brachial flow-mediated dilatation (-1.92%).
- Obesity was significantly associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness (0.07 mm).
Conclusions:
- Obesity is linked to diminished arterial endothelial function and elevated subclinical atherosclerosis.
- These vascular alterations likely contribute to the increased CVD risk observed in individuals with obesity.
- Quantified effect sizes can inform the evaluation of weight loss interventions on vascular health.
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