Obesity, weight loss and heart failure

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The current scientific data controversially indicate obesity both as a risk factor for developing congestive heart failure (CHF) and a positive prognostic factor. The present study evaluated the impact of weight loss on clinical and instrumental parameters in a selected group of obese patients with CHF. An overall population of 560 HF patients was sub-grouped on the basis of the Body Mass Index (BMI): 8.2% were underweight (BMI31). Of the 46 overweight and obese patients, 28 (55.2% men, age 51–80 years) accepted a tailored low-caloric dietary program for at least 4 months. The 28 patients belonged to both obese and overweight groups (BMI>27.8) and were in NYHA classes II–III. Mean follow-up was 5 months. The mean loss of body weight was 4 kg in 81.4% of patients, versus 3 kg mean increase in whole (560 patients) population (72.5–75.5 kg). In the 28 patients we recorded a significant (pp<0.05) lowering of total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Tailored dietetic program may improve clinical and instrumental parameters in patients with CHF.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: