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Myocardial velocity, strain, and strain rate abnormalities in healthy obese children
Steven M Lorch1, Angela Sharkey
1Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. lorch_s@wustl.edu
Insights
Childhood obesity impacts heart function, showing differences in obese children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern in the U.S.
- Obesity is linked to cardiovascular complications
- Adult obesity is associated with abnormal cardiac function
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cardiac function abnormalities in obese children
- To compare myocardial motion and strain in obese versus normal-weight children
Main Methods:
- Analysis of echocardiographic data from 168 children
- Calculation of body mass index for age
- Assessment of myocardial motion, strain, and strain rate using advanced imaging technology
Main Results:
- Obese children exhibited increased late diastolic myocardial motion compared to normal-weight children
- Obese children showed decreased systolic strain
- Findings indicate differences in diastolic function and strain in obese children
Conclusions:
- Obese children demonstrate cardiac abnormalities similar to obese adults
- These subtle changes may indicate early signs of future heart disease
- Early detection of cardiac dysfunction in childhood obesity is crucial
Abstract:
Childhood obesity is a major health care issue in the United States. This epidemic has important cardiovascular implications. Newer imaging modalities in obese adults have demonstrated abnormal systolic and diastolic cardiac function. The authors proposed to determine whether these abnormalities are present in obese children. A total of 168 children were identified from our echocardiographic database. Body mass index for age was calculated. Echocardiographic clips were analyzed using imaging technology to determine myocardial motion, strain, and strain rate. Patients at risk for obesity and those meeting criteria for obesity had increased late diastolic myocardial motion compared with normal-weight children. Obese patients had decreased systolic strain compared with normal-weight children. As with adults, obese children have significant differences in diastolic function and strain. These abnormalities may be subtle markers for the emergence of future cardiac disease.
