Overweightness, obesity and arterial stiffness in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature studies

Objective: The relationship between overweightness, obesity and arterial stiffness remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis evaluating the impact of obesity/overweightness on arterial stiffness in healthy subjects. Methods: Literature searches were conducted using databases (eg, MEDLINE, EMBASE) and citations cross-referenced. Studies evaluating the relationship between obesity/overweightness and cfPWV, baPWV, and AIx were systematically searched. A total of 10 studies (1,124 obese/overweight subjects, 1,884 controls) were included. Results: Compared to controls, obese/overweight subjects showed a significantly higher cfPWV (SMD 0.50 m/s; 95% CI 0.15, 0.86; P = 0.005), baPWV (SMD 0.41 m/s; 95% CI 0.08, 0.74; P = 0.014), and AIx (SMD 1.02; 95% CI 0.16, 1.87; P < 0.0001). When analyzing 'high quality' studies, the difference in arterial stiffness among obese/overweight subjects and controls remain (SMD 0.73 m/s; 95% CI 0.16, 1.30; P = 0.013). Conclusion: Arterial stiffness, a recognized marker of cardio vascular risk, is increased in obese/overweight subjects without overt cardiovascular diseases.