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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
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Childhood obesity: impact on cardiac geometry and function
Norman Mangner1, Kathrin Scheuermann2, Ephraim Winzer1
1University of Leipzig, Heart Center Leipzig, Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Leipzig, Germany.
JACC. Cardiovascular Imaging
|October 13, 2014
Summary
Childhood obesity leads to significant heart changes, including enlarged chambers and impaired function. These findings indicate early myocardial alterations in obese children, highlighting the need for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Obesity is linked to structural changes in the heart muscle (myocardium) that can affect its mechanical function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cardiac geometric and functional differences between obese and non-obese children and adolescents.
- To identify early signs of cardiovascular impact in pediatric obesity.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 61 obese and 40 non-obese Caucasian children and adolescents.
- Utilized 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography and 2D speckle-tracking analysis.
- Assessed blood chemistry, including lipid and glucose metabolism.
Main Results:
- Obese children showed increased blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and impaired glucose metabolism, with lower HDL cholesterol.
- Obese children had enlarged heart chambers, thicker left ventricular walls, and increased left ventricular mass.
- Despite normal ejection fraction, obese children exhibited reduced myocardial strain (longitudinal and circumferential) and impaired diastolic function.
Conclusions:
- Childhood obesity is associated with significant alterations in heart structure and function.
- These changes suggest an early onset of potentially detrimental myocardial remodeling in obese youth.
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