Systematic review/Meta-analysis The incidence of acute myocardial infarction in relation to overweight and obesity: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION Epidemiological evidence suggests that overweight and obesity have been associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, data on this issue are controversial. This study aims to use meta-analysis to determine whether overweight and obesity are related to AMI. MATERIAL AND METHODS We searched PubMed and Embase databases up to October 23(rd), 2013 for related literature. The association of overweight and obesity with AMI was assessed by odd ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) as the effect size. Then subgroup analysis was performed according to gender, area and study type. RESULTS Five primary studies (one cohort study and four case-control studies) were included in this meta-analysis involving 36 803 participants, 14 883 of whom had an AMI. There was a significant association between overweight and AMI (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.21-1.33, p < 0.001). Similar results revealed a relation between obesity and AMI (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.40, p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis showed that overweight and obesity were positively associated with AMI risk except for obese subjects in Europe. There was no publication bias (Begg's test p = 0.972, Egger's test p = 0.858). CONCLUSIONS Both overweight and obesity increased the incidence of AMI, and it is necessary to control weight to prevent AMI. A large number of studies is needed to explore the mechanisms that link overweight and obesity with AMI.