Abstract
Objectives There is an established causal link between obesity and cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this review was to determine whether an independent relationship exists between anthropometric measurements of weight (typically body mass index [BMI]) and cardiovascular outcomes (e.g. angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, and mortality due to cardiovascular disease) in the general population and in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods A review of the medical literature published between 1988 and May 2008 was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and Center for Review and Dissemination databases. Studies longer than 12 months, with ≥500 adult subjects and published in English were included. Results In studies conducted in general populations there was an overall trend towards increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes with increasing BMI. The nature and strength of this relationship varied according to the measurement used (e.g. BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio) and the population studied, with notable differences observed in Asian/Asia-Pacific compared with European or North American-based studies. However, data from diabetes-specific populations are limited. Conclusions In general, the degree of being overweight or obese was associated with an elevated risk of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality. Although inextricable links exist between obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the general population, the extent to which findings can be extrapolated to a diabetes-specific population is limited.
Highlights
Type 2 diabetes and obesity were once generally considered to be health problems that existed almost exclusively within high-income Westernized countries
Endpoints assessed in these studies included incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) (n = 9), angina (n = 1) ischemic heart disease (IHD; n = 2), incidence of and mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) (n = 11), heart failure and outcomes in patients with existing heart failure (n = 4) and overall incidence/prevalence of cardiovascular disease and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (n = 20)
A total of eight studies reported here examined the relationship between overweight/obesity and the incidence of MI, IHD or angina11–17.18
Summary
Type 2 diabetes and obesity were once generally considered to be health problems that existed almost exclusively within high-income Westernized countries. There is a general paucity of data from long-term longitudinal studies that examine the link between anthropometric measurements of overweight/obesity and cardiovascular events within type 2 diabetes populations. We performed a literature review with the primary objective of elucidating whether BMI or other anthropometric measurements of body weight and adiposity are independent risk factors for cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. Owing to the lack of data from diabetesspecific populations the review examined studies conducted in general populations, where studies were examined to ascertain whether diabetes was adjusted for as a covariate
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
