Prevalence and Cardiovascular Effects of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Abdominal Obesity

Obesity is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular-related diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Obesity, and more specifically abdominal obesity, may cause decreased growth hormone (GH) levels. It is believed that GH deficiency may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk by affecting insulin resistance, inflammatory markers, and blood cholesterol levels. This study will determine the occurrence of GH deficiency in abdominal obesity and whether GH deficiency is associated with increased cardiovascular risk beyond traditional risk factors.