Sympathovagal imbalance in obesity: Cardiovascular perspectives
Abstract
Obesity is an independent predictor of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Irrespective of the etiology, sympathovagal imbalance (SVI) in the form of sympathetic overactivity and vagal withdrawal has been recognized as the central pathophysiological mechanism involved in the genesis of obesity. Also, SVI has been reported to be the potential contributor to the obesity related co‑morbidities such as diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia and CV dysfunctions. In this review, we have analyzed the role of SVI in the development of obesity and its association with the genesis of CV dysfunctions. We have emphasized the role of lifestyle modification and pharmacological therapy in restoring the sympathovagal balance and its link to prevent the occurrence of CV diseases in overweight and obese individuals.