The relation between obesity and left ventricular diastolic function in young people: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Obesity Research
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) may link obesity (high BMI) to heart failure.
• This study investigated the association between BMI and LVDD using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction (LVDD).

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 273 participants (BMI < 25, 30-40, and ≥ 40).
• Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) assessed left atrium volume, E, septal e', lateral e', and E/e' ratios.
• Participants were categorized into normal, abnormal, or inconclusive diastolic function groups.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in echocardiographic variables (LA volume, E, e', E/e') were observed between groups (P < 0.05).
• Only one morbidly obese patient had LVDD.
• No significant difference in LVDD was found across the three BMI groups (P = 0.42).

Conclusions:

• No considerable relationship was found between obesity and LVDD.
• Absence of comorbidities like diabetes may prevent LVDD in obese individuals.
• Further cellular, molecular, and larger-scale studies are required for definitive conclusions.