Obesity and cardiovascular risk: a primer for the clinician.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. This review addresses the complex interaction between obesity and cardiovascular risk, highlighting dysfunctional adiposity as a crucial precursor in the metabolic renal cardiovascular continuum. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are reviewed, emphasizing the importance of risk identification and proper stratification, as well as the various available treatment strategies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that have proven to reduce cardiovascular risk. Practical tools and evidence-based strategies are provided to enhance clinical management and cardiovascular health outcomes in this particularly vulnerable patient population.