Review article

Metabolic Disorders as Drivers of Cardiovascular Disease in Men

Miro Bakula
Mia Bakula
Maja Bakula
Silvija Canecki - Varžić
Daniela Fabris - Vitković
Kristijan Lipovac

Abstract

Obesity is a growing public health problem that strongly affects overall population health, creating a so-called domino effect through the development of numerous interrelated comorbidities. In the context of male health, obesity exhibits specific biological and metabolic characteristics with a distinctive pattern of fat distribution, manifested by increased visceral fat accumulation. This type of adipose tissue is highly metabolically active and strongly associated with the development of insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Obesity also significantly increases the likelihood of developing obstructive sleep apnoea, which further exacerbates cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, obesity contributes to alterations in sex hormone metabolism, resulting in reduced testosterone levels, which can further aggravate metabolic dysfunction and negatively affect cardiovascular and reproductive health. The interplay between obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea, and cardiovascular disorders creates a vicious cycle in which metabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory pathophysiological changes mutually reinforce each other, worsening overall health and reducing quality of life. These pathophysiological changes are often accompanied by psychological and social consequences, such as decreased self-esteem, stigmatization, and increased prevalence of depressive disorders, further amplifying the overall disease burden and contributing to a vicious cycle of reduced physical activity and weight gain. Early therapeutic intervention is of critical importance and includes lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and surgical approaches. The importance of an integrated approach is emphasized, involving multidisciplinary monitoring and personalized treatment strategies to interrupt the domino effect and reduce long-term health.

Keywords

obesity, male health, cardiovascular diseases, obstructive sleep apnoea, hypogonadism

Hrčak ID:

345173

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/345173

Publication date:

26.2.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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