Eye Health News

Belly Fat and Blood Pressure - Related or Not?

In a post hoc analysis of the ACCORD Blood Pressure Trial, the amount of visceral obesity did not have an impact on cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving intensive blood pressure treatment. In these patients, no association was found between the amount of belly fat and incidence of heart attacks or strokes. The previous hypothesis was that those with higher central obesity receiving intensive blood pressure treatment would see a greater risk reduction in cardiovascular complications. However, this hypothesis was not supported by the study. As a result, it appears that intensive treatment to lower blood pressure does not offer a significant protective benefit based on differences in central fat for patients with type 2 diabetes. The researchers suggest that perhaps the negative effects of diabetes exist in any amount of adipose fat, thereby nullifying any potential benefit that intense blood pressure treatment might offer.