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Predictors of left ventricular dilatation in young adults (from the Bogalusa Heart Study)

Showkat A Haji1, Rifat Eralp Ulusoy, Dharmendrakumar A Patel

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Medical Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|October 24, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity and adult obesity with hypertension predict left ventricular dilatation in young adults. Early detection of these risk factors is crucial for preventing cardiac issues.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Left ventricular (LV) dilatation can signal early cardiac decompensation and dysfunction.
  • Determinants of LV dilatation in young, asymptomatic adults are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the predictors of left ventricular dilatation in a young, asymptomatic population.
  • To identify associations between obesity, hypertension, and LV dilatation.

Main Methods:

  • Echocardiography was used to measure LV end-diastolic diameter in 506 asymptomatic subjects (mean age 32 years).
  • Statistical analyses, including regression, were performed to identify predictors of LV dilatation.
  • Subjects were categorized based on body mass index (BMI) and hypertension status.

Main Results:

  • LV dilatation was observed in 6% of subjects.
  • Higher BMI, systolic, and diastolic blood pressures were associated with LV dilatation.
  • Adulthood obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) and hypertension were independently associated with a threefold increased odds of LV dilatation.
  • Childhood BMI was the only significant predictor of adult LV dilatation in multiple regression analysis (OR 1.47).

Conclusions:

  • Obesity starting in childhood is a significant predictor of LV dilatation in young adulthood.
  • Obesity and hypertension in young adulthood are also key predictors of LV dilatation.
  • These findings highlight the importance of early lifestyle interventions to prevent cardiac remodeling.

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