Plasma leptin levels and incidence of heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and total mortality in elderly individuals.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Obesity predisposes individuals to congestive heart failure (CHF) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Leptin regulates energy homeostasis, is elevated in obesity, and influences ventricular and vascular remodeling. We tested the hypothesis that leptin levels are associated with greater risk of CHF, CVD, and mortality in elderly individuals.

Research design and methods

We evaluated 818 elderly (mean age 79 years, 62% women) Framingham Study participants attending a routine examination at which plasma leptin was assayed.

Results

Leptin levels were higher in women and strongly correlated with BMI (P < 0.0001). On follow-up (mean 8.0 years), 129 (of 775 free of CHF) participants developed CHF, 187 (of 532 free of CVD) experienced a first CVD event, and 391 individ

SUBMITTER: Lieb W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2660448 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature