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Author Spotlight: Exploring the Relationship Between Lipotoxicity and HFpEF
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Obesity: the perfect storm for heart failure
Maria Lembo1, Teresa Strisciuglio1, Celeste Fonderico1
1Department of Advanced Biochemical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
ESC Heart Failure
|March 16, 2024
Summary
Obesity significantly impacts cardiovascular health, leading to heart failure (HF). Weight loss and new treatments like sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors are crucial for managing obesity-related HF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Obesity causes cardiovascular alterations, increasing risks for conditions like atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and heart failure (HF).
- Mechanisms linking obesity and HF include left ventricular remodeling, epicardial fat, endothelial dysfunction, and coronary microvascular dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of heart failure in obese patients.
- To highlight the challenges in treating obesity-related HF, especially HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on obesity and heart failure.
- Analysis of multi-imaging modalities for diagnosing subclinical systolic dysfunction.
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies, including weight loss and pharmacotherapy.
Main Results:
- Echocardiography is a cost-effective method for detecting obesity-associated subclinical systolic dysfunction.
- Weight loss is a primary therapeutic intervention for patients with obesity and HF.
- Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors represent a novel therapeutic option for HF management.
Conclusions:
- Obesity presents complex challenges in HF management, particularly for HFpEF.
- Integrated approaches focusing on weight reduction and emerging pharmacological agents are essential.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies for obesity-related cardiovascular diseases.
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