Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatology: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Bianca Iorga^(1,*), Florian Berghea^(1,2)

1)‘Saint Mary’ Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
2)‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

Obesity is a major public health issue with significant implications for the cardiovascular system and rheumatologic diseases. This paper analyzes the pathophysiological mechanisms by which obesity contributes to increased cardiovascular risk in rheumatologic contexts, highlighting the complex interaction between inflammation, adipokines, and endothelial dysfunction. Concepts such as metabolically healthy obesity and the obesity paradox are discussed, along with their clinical implications. Current therapeutic strategies for managing obese patients with rheumatologic conditions are also presented. The paper includes global and Romanian epidemiological data on obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: obesity, cardiovascular risk, rheumatology, inflammation, adipokines, endothelial dysfunction, metabolically healthy obesity, obesity paradox, epidemiology

Corresponding author(s): Bianca Iorga, ‘Saint Mary’ Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, 37-39 Ion Mihalache Blvd, 1st Floor Secretarial Comission, email: bianca.iorga94@gmail.com