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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Cardiac dimensions and function in children with obesity
Anant Khositseth1, Umaporn Suthutvoravut, Nalinee Chongviriyaphan
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok.
Indian Heart Journal
|December 6, 2008
Summary
Childhood obesity can impact heart health. While left ventricular dimensions and systolic function were normal in obese children, the left ventricular myocardial performance index indicated potential global dysfunction in 33%.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Health in Childhood Obesity
Background:
- Childhood obesity is linked to cardiac alterations, potentially impacting long-term quality of life.
- Early detection of cardiac dysfunction in obese children is crucial for adult health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess left ventricular dimensions, systolic function, and myocardial performance index in obese children.
- To identify potential early indicators of cardiac dysfunction related to childhood obesity.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiography was performed on 33 obese children (mean age 9.8 years).
- Evaluated left ventricular dimensions, shortening fraction, ejection fraction, and myocardial performance index.
- Classified children based on obesity severity (mild, moderate, severe).
Main Results:
- Left ventricular dimensions and systolic function (shortening fraction, ejection fraction) were within normal limits for most children.
- Two children (6%) exhibited mild left ventricular dilatation.
- The left ventricular myocardial performance index was abnormal in 33% of participants.
Conclusions:
- Obese children generally maintain normal left ventricular dimensions and systolic function.
- The left ventricular myocardial performance index may serve as an early marker for global cardiac dysfunction in pediatric obesity.
- Obesity severity did not correlate with global left ventricular dysfunction in this cohort.
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