Question

8. Indicate the hemodynamic effect of morbid obesity on pressure measurements and determine at least three clinical symptoms that are indicated as risks (complications) for obesity

Answer 1

Obesity is measured by body mass index (BMI) by using weight and height measurements. BMI is not only to determine hypertension risk but also for fat distribution. Weight gain in adults is an important risk factor for the development of hypertension. On the other hand, weight loss can lead to significant drop in blood pressure. Patients with obesity have other significant health risks like heart diseases, diabetes. A decrease in body weight of 1 kg resulted in reduction of systolic and diastolic pressure by 1.2 and 1mm Hg.

Hemodynamic effect of obesity on pressure measurement:

Obesity leads to increased circulatory blood volume, which increases the LV stroke volume thus increasing the cardiac output. This leads to LV enlargement which causes hypertension. It increases the LV wall stress and causes LV hypertrophy. This causes LV failure which later on causes pulmonary arterial and venous hypertension. Hypertension in obesity results from a discrepancy between an increased cardiac output due to increased body mass and a relatively unchanged arterial capacity.

Risk for obesity:

• Depression
• Genetic factor
• Taking medications such as steroids
• Unhealthy lifestyle
• Unbalanced diet
• Poor activity level

Complications:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Certain cancers (breast, colon, and endometrial)
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Fatty liver disease
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea and other breathing problems
• Arthritis
• Infertility