Research
Mixed
Obesity is an independent proarrhythmic risk factor for both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, mediated by structural remodeling (atrial/ventricular dilation, epicardial fat infiltration) and electrophysiological changes (prolonged QTc, P-wave dispersion).
Obesity directly increases the risk of heart rhythm problems (atrial and ventricular arrhythmias) through structural changes like heart enlargement and fat infiltration around the heart. This risk exists independently of other conditions like high blood pressure. Weight loss is a key intervention to reduce this risk.
StrongSupportsHIGH confidence
compelling evidence suggests that increasing adiposity is an independent proarrhythmic risk factor... Obesity is a multifactorial disease that often co-exists with hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnoea, which are also independent risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple large cohort studies, meta-analyses, and Mendelian randomization studies.
Source
Obesity as a risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias
Kiran Haresh Kumar Patel et al. · BMJ Medicine · 2022
narrative_reviewCited 35×
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