The Claim

A 1-standard deviation increase in genetically predicted body mass index (BMI) is associated with a 49% higher risk of coronary artery disease, with 66% (95% CI: 42% to 91%) of this association mediated through systolic blood pressure, diabetes, lipid traits, and smoking, where diabetes and blood pressure account for the largest proportions of the mediated effect.

Source: Risk factors mediating the effect of body-mass index and waist-to-hip ratio on cardiovascular outcomes: Mendelian randomization analysis

What the research says

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How it works
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In plain English

People with a genetically higher body mass index have a 49% higher risk of coronary artery disease, and two-thirds of this increased risk is explained by higher blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal lipid levels, and smoking, with blood pressure and diabetes contributing the most.

See the scientific wording

A 1-standard deviation increase in genetically predicted body mass index (BMI) is associated with a 49% higher risk of coronary artery disease, of which 66% (95% CI: 42% to 91%) is mediated through systolic blood pressure, diabetes, lipid traits, and smoking, with diabetes and blood pressure accounting for the largest proportions of this effect.

Why this might work

Extra fat tissue releases substances that raise blood pressure and make the body less able to use insulin, which damages blood vessels and causes plaque to build up in the heart arteries.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Risk factors mediating the effect of body-mass index and waist-to-hip ratio on cardiovascular outcomes: Mendelian randomization analysis

    People who are genetically more likely to have higher body weight have a 49% higher risk of heart disease, and about two-thirds of that risk comes from high blood pressure and diabetes — the study proves this exactly.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

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