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The Obesity Paradox in Chronic Heart Failure: What Does It Mean?

  • Nonpharmacologic Therapy: Surgery, Ventricular Assist Devices, Biventricular Pacing, and Exercise (AK Hasan, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a growing health problem, at least in part due to the concurrent obesity epidemic plaguing developed countries. However, once a patient develops HF, an elevated BMI appears to confer a survival benefit – a phenomenon termed the “obesity paradox.” The exact explanation for this paradox has been difficult to ascertain. Numerous plausible mechanisms have been asserted, including the fact that obese patients tend to be younger and more symptomatic, leading them to seek medical attention earlier in the course of their HF. Obese patients may also have larger energy reserves that help to offset the catabolic changes seen with HF. Other hypotheses highlight the limitations of BMI as an obesity classifier. The purpose of this review is to examine the various theories for the obesity paradox in HF and discuss the implications for the clinical management of obese patients with HF.

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Paul J. Chase, Paul G. Davis, and Daniel R. Bensimhon declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. LeBauer Cardiovascular Research Foundation, Cone Health, 1200 N. Elm St, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA

    Paul J. Chase & Daniel R. Bensimhon

  2. Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA

    Paul J. Chase & Paul G. Davis

  3. Advanced Heart Failure Clinic, Cone Health, 1200 N. Elm St., Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA

    Daniel R. Bensimhon

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  1. Paul J. Chase
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Chase, P.J., Davis, P.G. & Bensimhon, D.R. The Obesity Paradox in Chronic Heart Failure: What Does It Mean?. Curr Heart Fail Rep 11, 111–117 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-013-0184-2

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