Journal article

Obesity and the Microvasculature: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A Boillot, S Zoungas, P Mitchell, R Klein, B Klein, MK Ikram, C Klaver, JJ Wang, B Gopinath, ES Tai, AS Neubauer, S Hercberg, L Brazionis, SM Saw, TY Wong, S Czernichow

Plos One | Published : 2013

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity are thought to significantly influence a person's risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly via its effect on the microvasculature. Retinal vascular caliber is a surrogate marker of microvascular disease and a predictor of cardiovascular events. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) and retinal vascular caliber. Methods and Findings: Relevant studies were identified by searches of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 1966 to August 2011. Standardized forms were used for data extraction. Among over 44,000 individuals, obese subjects had narrower arteriolar and wider venular calibers..

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University of Melbourne Researchers