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Obesity and vascular compliance

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Abstract

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and around the world, with an estimated prevalence of up to 300 million persons, raising the specter of rising incidence rates of type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular disorders. In recent years, measurements of vascular compliance (stiffening) and endothelial function have been used as surrogates to predict future cardiovascular mortality. Increased body fat, especially mesenteric adiposity, correlates with vascular stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. The link between obesity and vascular compliance or endothelial dysfunction may involve insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, proliferation of vascular smooth muscle, increased collagen synthesis, generation of advanced glycosylation end products, increased oxidative stress, and release of inflammatory cytokines from adipose tissue. Treatment comprises lifestyle changes, including weight reduction and exercise, and pharmacologic interventions, such as folic acid, fish oils, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, insulin sensitizers, and advanced glycation end-product crosslink breakers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Downstate Medical Center, State University of New York, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA

    Nathaniel Winer

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  1. Sudha Ganne
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  2. Nathaniel Winer
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Correspondence to Nathaniel Winer.

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Ganne, S., Winer, N. Obesity and vascular compliance. Curr Cardio Risk Rep 2, 120–125 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-008-0023-2

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