Association of Body Mass Index with Endothelial Function in Asian Men

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• The relationship between body weight and cardiovascular events remains debated.
• Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in cardiovascular disease development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and endothelial function in a large cohort of men.
• To explore age-related differences in this association.

Main Methods:

• Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and BMI were measured in 7682 men.
• Participants were categorized into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity groups based on BMI.
• Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk of low FMD quartiles.

Main Results:

• Overweight and obesity were associated with an increased risk of low FMD in the overall cohort.
• In younger men (<60 years), overweight and obesity increased the risk of low FMD, while underweight reduced it.
• In older men (≥60 years), underweight was associated with an increased risk of low FMD, but overweight and obesity were not.

Conclusions:

• Endothelial function is impaired in overweight and obese Asian men.
• The risk of endothelial dysfunction due to obesity is higher in younger men compared to older men.
• Age significantly modifies the association between BMI and endothelial function.