An echocardiographic study of the effect of obesity on systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle in hypertensive adults

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to examine the effect of obesity on echocardiographic parameters of systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle (LV) in asymptomatic hypertensive adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 individuals (65 males and 35 females). Their blood pressure and body mass index were recorded following which they were divided into obese hypertensives and non-obese hypertensives. Echocardiographic examination was done, and parameters indicating LV geometry and function were recorded. Data were statistically analysed for differences. An unpaired t-test was used considering P < 0.05 as a significant value. Results: Echocardiographic parameters of LV diastolic function were significantly altered in obese hypertensives compared to non-obese hypertensives (P < 0.05). About 58% of non-obese hypertensives and 78% of obese-hypertensives had LV diastolic dysfunction. About 6% of non-obese hypertensives and 8% of obese-hypertensives had LV systolic dysfunction. Conclusion: Obesity in hypertensive individuals adds risk for diastolic dysfunction. The number of subjects falling into categories of mild-to-moderate diastolic dysfunction was considerably higher in the obese hypertensives compared to the non-obese hypertensives.