Increased belly fat is associated with which of the following cardiovascular effects?

Prepare for the Anatomy and Physiology II Milestone 1 Test with engaging questions, in-depth explanations, and focused study resources. Start your journey to excel in your exam!

Central obesity raises cardiovascular load by both increasing the resistance the heart must pump against and the workload of the heart itself. Abdominal fat is metabolically active and promotes factors that raise vascular tone and pressure—adipokines and inflammatory cytokines impair endothelial function, increase arterial stiffness, and boost systemic vascular resistance. It also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which constrict vessels and raise blood pressure. In addition, obesity expands blood volume, increasing preload, so the heart works harder overall to maintain circulation. Together these changes explain why increased belly fat is linked to greater vascular resistance and greater cardiac workload.