Effects of Obesity and Adiposity on Cardiac Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Metabolic abnormalities accompanied by excessive body fat and systemic inflammation can lead to higher incidence of heart failure. Obesity is associated with altered cardiac remodeling, possibly due to increased hemodynamic load, neurohormonal activation, and increased cytokine production. Through direct quantification of visceral adipose tissues surrounding vital organs, especially the epicardial adipose tissue, investigators have demonstrated the link between its activity and adverse cardiovascular events.