Approved Research

Relationship between body size phenotypes, metabolic abnormalities, and arterial stiffness

Lay summary

This study aims to determine the relationship between arterial stiffness, obesity, and other cardiovascular risk factors. We aim to compare the prevalence of arterial stiffness of obese individuals with other cardiovascular risk factors and those without other cardiovascular risk factors.

Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for poor cardiovascular health outcomes, and it has become more common in the world population over the last few decades. Poor cardiovascular health is often mediated by other obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. However, a significant proportion of obese individuals does not have other cardiovascular risk factors, and is often referred to "metabolically health obese" (MHO).

Although previous studies have suggested poorer cardiovascular health outcomes in obese individuals, there is increasing debates that individuals with MHO have good cardiovascular health. Individuals with MHO have higher risk of developing diabetes, but its association with heart attacks and all-cause mortality is not well established. We know that obese individuals have higher inflammatory response and are more likely to suffer from long-term vascular damage. Studies have suggested that MHO is likely a transitional state. Obese individuals will develop new cardiovascular risk factors in the long run and have poorer cardiovascular health, including higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

Arterial stiffness refers to the stiffness of large central artery (aorta) and is an important predictor of cardiovascular health outcomes. We know that vascular damage increases in people with high blood pressure due to increased mechanical stress on the blood vessels, people with high cholesterol due to cholesterol deposition in blood vessels causing vessel hardening, and people with diabetes due to damaged vessel from high glucose level. Although obesity is associated with arterial stiffness, it is unclear if there is a difference in arterial stiffness between obese individuals with and without other cardiovascular risk factors.

The project duration is 6 months. This study will have a significant public health impact. 39% of adults are overweight and 13% are obese worldwide. This research will provide a better understanding of cardiovascular health of obese individuals with normal metabolic health as arterial stiffness is an important predictor of cardiovascular health outcomes. This study will inform health policy on the appropriate recommendations of strict weight management, particularly among overweight and obese individuals without other cardiovascular risk factors.