About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Risk of Death High Among Underweight Women With CAD

by Savitha C Muppala on September 5, 2013 at 7:51 AM
Font : A-A+

 Risk of Death High Among Underweight Women With CAD

Being underweight increases the death risk of women with coronary artery disease (CAD) by 2-fold, according to research. The study suggests that underweight women with CAD should gain weight to reduce their risk of death.

Dr Azimi said: "The increasing prevalence of obesity is concerning because it is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, early death and other diseases like diabetes mellitus type 2, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. To our knowledge until now the impact of weight change on risk of death in women with CAD has not been studied."

Advertisement

The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of weight change over time on survival in women with CAD and different body weight classes. The study included 1,685 women (average age 64 years) diagnosed with CAD based on coronary angiography during 2005-2011. Body weight was obtained from anaesthesiology and coronary angiography records. Patients were followed for 6 years.

Weight change was stratified into 3 groups: no change (gain or loss of <2 kg/year), weight loss (loss of >2 kg/year) and weight gain (gain of >2 kg/year). The women were also divided into four weight classes by body mass index (BMI, kg/m2): underweight (BMI<20 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI 20-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI >30.0 kg/m2).
Advertisement

Hazard ratios (HRs) for risk of death were calculated using the normal weight group as reference. The researchers adjusted for age, smoking, diabetes, previous heart surgery, previous percutaneous coronary intervention, use of statins and antihypertensive drugs, and degree of CAD.

The researchers found that maintaining weight lowered the risk of death in obese women with CAD (HR=0.36, p=0.06 ). Weight gain and weight loss did not appear to affect their risk of CAD death compared to the normal weight group.

Dr Azimi said: "Weight maintenance decreased the risk of death in obese women with CAD. Obese women are more likely to be treated early with statins, antihypertensive or diabetes drugs, and this may reduce their risk. Weight management should be individual due to their medical condition."

In contrast, underweight women who maintained their weight significantly increased their risk of death by 2-fold (HR=2.15, p=0.03). In this group, losing weight appeared to further increase their risk by 2-fold (although the findings were not significant).

Dr Azimi said: "Weight maintenance or weight loss seems to increase the risk of death in underweight women with CAD. Our findings suggest that these women should gain weight in order to reduce their risk of death."

She concluded: "These data appear to be against the common sense that obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality as underweight has been even more strongly related to worse clinical outcome than overweight. Future investigations will be necessary to prove this new concept."



Source: Eurekalert
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Research News

Eight Threats to Black Adult's Longevity
Decoding the eight factors affecting Black adults' life expectancy.
Beyond the Campus: Contrasting Realities Revealed!
Sobering truth about foot travel in the United States emerges from international statistics, highlighting the prevalence of walking on the Blacksburg campus.
Astounding Link Between Darwin's Theory and Synaptic Plasticity — Discovered!
Unveiling a hidden mechanism, proteins within brain cells exhibit newfound abilities at synapses, reinforcing Darwin's theory of adaptation and diversity in the natural world.
Unlocking the Fountain of Youth: Exploring the Synergistic Power!
Combining micro-needling and cupping, two emerging and alternative techniques, in an experimental study reveals a potential synergy for skin rejuvenation.
Imminent Threat of the Next Pandemic - Disease X
Despite a decline in COVID-19 cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) raises global concerns by warning of an "inevitable" next pandemic known as "Disease X".
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Risk of Death High Among Underweight Women With CAD Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests