Obesity: An Underlying Risk for Acute Aortic Dissection

Obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Although previous studies have shown uncertainty about its role in aortic dissection (AD), our clinical observations showed that most younger patients with acute AD have a significantly higher body mass index. The underlying reasons are yet to be investigated. Recent studies have suggested that obesity is linked to vascular pathophysiology, including endothelial injury, medial remodeling and deficiency, perivascular adipose tissue dysfunction, and systemic dysfunction. Understanding the association between obesity and acute AD can aid in recognizing high-risk populations, providing an earlier chance of diagnosis and intervention, and improving clinical outcomes for acute AD in young obese patients. This review analyzes and integrates current data to explain the potential role of obesity in acute AD pathogenesis.