Various reports have suggested that increased BMI in patients with HF or who are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or have established CAD may be associated with decreased mortality and morbidity. Pepine said this has been called the "obesity paradox."

In November, data were presented by researcher Stefan D. Anker, MD, PhD, professor for applied cachexia research, department of cardiology, Charite-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2006 that added support to this paradox.

However, "all of these data are observational data and cannot be used to imply cause and effect," Pepine said. A definitive, prospective study is needed that would randomize patients to a weight loss group or a weight maintenance group for more definitive answers.




Posted by: Evelyn    Source

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