Obesity, hypertension, and vascular disease.
Obesity, hypertension, and related metabolic and hemodynamic abnormalities contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease in westernized societies such as the United States. Both obesity and hypertension are more prevalent among minorities such as black and Hispanic populations. Obesity substantially increases the likelihood of hypertension, and weight reduction has been shown to be an effective hygienic measure in reducing blood pressure. There is accumulating evidence that central obesity, particularly obesity that is distributed in the paraomental (visceral) region, especially predisposes one to hypertension and related metabolic abnormalities that contribute cerebrovascular disease.
Sowers
K M
KM
Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Hypertension, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4201 St. Antoine, UHC-4H, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Sowers
J R
JR
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors