Obesity and cardiovascular disease: Risk assessment, physical activity, and management of complications

The patient with obesity is at risk of developing cardiovascular disease and risk factors. Obesity negatively impacts prognosis and increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a comprehensive risk assessment is needed to define the cardiovascular risk of the patient and, thus, a tailored management and treatment. Chronic and successful management of these patients involves the evaluation of the various therapeutic strategies available (comprehensive lifestyle intervention, weight-loss medications, and bariatric surgery) and the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular complications (coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation). Cardiac rehabilitation in patients with obesity is showing beneficial effect and a positive impact on weight loss, cardiovascular risk factors, mental health, functional capacity, and adherence to lifestyle interventions and pharmacological treatment. Long-term weight loss and maintenance represent a key objective during the management of the patient with obesity to reduce the risk of future adverse events. Multidisciplinary management and interventions are necessary to prevent and reduce overall cardiovascular risk and mortality. The aim of our review is to propose a comprehensive, critical and updated overview regarding risk assessment, physical activity, and the management of cardiovascular complications in patient with obesity.