Echocardiographic study of left ventricular mass in normotensive young obese

BACKGROUND: Obesity is increasing worldwide due to decreased physical activity and easy availability of high-energy foods. Increased adiposity is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. One of the characteristic cardiac adaptations to obesity is the left ventricular hypertrophy. We evaluate the echocardiography changes in the left ventricular structure and function in uncomplicated young obese.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in age-matched 24 young male obese and 26 male controls. Anthropometric parameters such as height (cm) and weight (kg) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A group of obese subjects with BMI ≥30 of kg/m2 compared with a group of controls with BMI of 18.50–24.99 kg/m2. Echocardiograms were performed using GE Vivid T8 by standard techniques. Left ventricular (LV) mass, LV mass/body surface area index, LV mass/height, Posterior wall thickness, and relative wall thickness (RWT) were found out. Statistical analysis was done using “t”-test.RESULTS: The mean values of LV mass, LV mass/body surface area index, LV mass/height, posterior wall thickness, and RWT were greater in the group of obese when compared with the controls. The linear regression analysis showed a strong association between the degree of obesity and LV mass.CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the LV mass parameters are increased in obese when compared with the controls. Echocardiographic study should be included in the evaluation of obese for the early detection of subclinical structural and morphological changes in the left ventricle because obesity itself is an independent predictor for left ventricular hypertrophy. Preventive measures should be taken in the control of obesity, thus, contributing to decrease the morbidity and mortality and reducing the cardiovascular disease burden on our society.