Endocrine and Metabolic Effects of Fat: Cardiovascular Implications

The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly in both industrialized and developing nations. Obesity causes complex metabolic, endocrine, and hemodynamic changes that may lead to adverse cardiovascular outcomes such as coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure. Adipose tissue is no longer considered to be an inert organ of energy storage, but in fact possesses important endocrine and metabolic functions that are closely involved in energy homeostasis. During the past decade, our understanding of the unique pathophysiologic changes that occur with obesity has rapidly grown. This review discusses our current understanding of the endocrine and metabolic effects of fat and their potential relation to cardiovascular disease.