Abstract
The results of several recent experimental studies using animal models and clinical trials suggested that obesity is not merely an epiphenomenon or a prominent comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF). Indeed, recent studies suggest that obesity is intimately involved in the pathogenesis of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The most recent studies indicate that approximately 50% of HF patients have HFpEF. As standard pharmacological treatment usually shows only a weak or even neutral effect on primary outcomes in patients with HFpEF, treatment strategies targeted to specific groups of HFpEF patients, such as those with obesity, may increase the likelihood of reaching substantial clinical benefit. Considering the well-known inverse relationship between body mass index (BMI) values and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, it is theoretically conceivable that the measurement of natriuretic peptides, using cutoff values adjusted for age and BMI, should increase diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in HFpEF patients. However, further experimental studies and clinical trials are needed to differentiate and better understand specific mechanisms of the various HFpEF phenotypes, including obese HFpEF.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
