Obesity and atherosclerosis, a disorder caused by arterial plaque formation, have a complicated association. Here's how obesity affects arteries and causes atherosclerosis:
Obesity causes chronic low-grade inflammation in the body, including artery walls.
Insulin Resistance: Cells become less insulin-responsive due to obesity. Insulin resistance causes dyslipidemia, which increases triglycerides and lowers HDL cholesterol, which increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
Dyslipidemia: Obesity often causes high LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol can cause arterial plaque, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Obesity causes malfunctioning adipose tissue to discharge excessive free fatty acids and adipokines into the bloodstream.
Abdominal obesity: Visceral fat, especially around the abdomen, increases atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk.
Prothrombotic State: Obesity increases blood coagulability and platelet activation. Hypercoagulability can cause blood clots in atherosclerotic plaques, causing heart attacks and strokes.
Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk can be reduced by managing obesity through lifestyle changes such regular exercise, a balanced diet, weight loss, and smoking cessation. Hypertension and dyslipidemia must also be controlled to slow atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular events.
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