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Review
. 2023 Mar 21;11(6):902.
doi: 10.3390/healthcare11060902.

Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk: Systematic Intervention Is the Key for Prevention

Francesco Perone  1 , Annachiara Pingitore  2 , Edoardo Conte  3 , Geza Halasz  4 , Marco Ambrosetti  5 , Mariangela Peruzzi  6   7 , Elena Cavarretta  7   8
Affiliations
Review

Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk: Systematic Intervention Is the Key for Prevention

Francesco Perone et al. Healthcare (Basel). .

Abstract

Obesity is a serious public health issue and associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events and mortality. The risk of cardiovascular complications is directly related to excess body fat mass and ectopic fat deposition, but also other obesity-related complications such as pre-type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. Body mass index and waist circumference are used to classify a patient as overweight or obese and to stratify cardiovascular risk. Physical activity and diet, despite being key points in preventing adverse events and reducing cardiovascular risk, are not always successful strategies. Pharmacological treatments for weight reduction are promising strategies, but are restricted by possible safety issues and cost. Nonetheless, these treatments are associated with improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, and studies are ongoing to better evaluate cardiovascular outcomes. Bariatric surgery is effective in reducing the incidence of death and cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Cardiac rehabilitation programs in obese patients improve cardiovascular disease risk factors, quality of life, and exercise capacity. The aim of this review was to critically analyze the current role and future aspects of lifestyle changes, medical and surgical treatments, and cardiac rehabilitation in obese patients, to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and mortality, and to highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to improving cardiovascular outcomes.

Keywords: bariatric surgery; cardiac rehabilitation; cardiovascular disease risk; cardiovascular mortality; lifestyle interventions; obesity; pharmacologic treatment; physical activity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Relationship between obesity-related cardiometabolic alterations/comorbidities and cardiovascular diseases.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach is needed for a successful weight loss program. Lifestyle changes, dietary restriction, and physical activity equally contribute to effective and long-term weight loss.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Beneficial effects of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with obesity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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