Effect of obesity on Left ventricular diastolic function in young normotensive obese individuals.

ABSTRACT

Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate even in the developing country like India. Increased adiposity is the risk factor for the development of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The excess fat mass associated with obesity is known to cause haemodynamic changes like increase in preload and after load and also peripheral resistance. The study aims to evaluate the association between the obesity and Diastolic function using echocardiography in uncomplicated young obese individuals. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in age matched 24 young male obese individuals and 26 male controls. Anthropometric parameters like height (cms), weight (kgs) were measured. BMI was calculated. Controls with BMI of 18.50 – 24.99 kg/m2 , Obese individuals with BMI ? 30 kg/m2 . Echocardiograms were performed using GE Vivid T 8 by standard techniques. The early diastolic (E) and atrial (A) velocities were measured and the E/A ratio was calculated. The deceleration time (in ms) was also assessed. Statistical analysis was done using ‘t’ test Results: The mean values of the early diastolic (E) velocity and E/A ratio were lesser in the group of obese individuals when compared with the controls and was statistically significant. Deceleration time and left ventricular end diastolic volume were greater in obese individuals. Conclusion: The present study suggests a significant decrease in the diastolic function in obese individuals when other risk factors are excluded. So obesity is found to have detriment on diastolic function and may lead to cardiac failure. Echocardiographic study should be included in the evaluation of obesity for early detection diastolic dysfunction. Preventive measures should be taken to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with obesity.