Relationship Between Right Ventricular Function and Body Composition in Adolescents and Young Adults

Objective: This study sought to examine the relationships between right ventricular (RV) parameters and function, and body composition in adolescents and young adult individuals with overweight and obesity. We hypothesized that abnormal body composition is linked to RV dysfunction and subclinical changes in the ventricle. Methods: The study prospectively included 80 young adult individuals, with 55 being overweight or obese and 25 having a normal body weight. We examined differences in RV echocardiographic parameters between these groups and their relationship with body composition parameters. Results: Adolescents and young adults with overweight or obesity had greater RV pressure load, and larger RV diameter. Significant differences in RV size and strain were noted between groups. Across the cohort, lean body mass positively correlated with RV strain, while fat mass and total serum protein negatively correlated with RV strain (both p < 0.01 or lower). Conclusions: This study found that RV function and body composition are often linked and improving body composition could prevent RV dysfunction, while addressing wasting might enhance RV function. Overweight or obese young adults show decreased RV strain in the absolute value compared to those with normal body weight.