Blood pressure parameters affecting ventricular repolarization in obese children

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Ventricular repolarization (VR) is linked to sudden cardiac death risk.
• Obesity in children is a growing concern with potential cardiovascular implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate blood pressure parameters influencing ventricular repolarization in obese children.
• To identify cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

• Compared obese children (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) with healthy controls.
• Assessed peripheral and central blood pressures using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
• Evaluated electrocardiographic ventricular repolarization indices, arterial stiffness, and cardiac geometry (LVMI, RWT).

Main Results:

• Obese children exhibited higher peripheral and central blood pressures, arterial stiffness, and elevated VR indices (QTcd, Tp-ed).
• Nighttime diastolic blood pressure load was identified as an independent factor affecting VR in obese children.
• Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and cardiac geometry were similar between groups, suggesting VR changes precede structural alterations.

Conclusions:

• Obesity in children is associated with increased arterial stiffness and heightened ventricular repolarization indices.
• Monitoring nighttime diastolic blood pressure load is crucial for managing VR and preventing sudden cardiac death in obese children.
• Early obesity prevention strategies are recommended to mitigate cardiovascular risks.