Publication:

Evaluation of cardiac performance among asymptomatic obese subjects in comparison with normal individual

Background Obesity constitutes a major health issue in the modern world. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the effect of obesity on ventricular function by conventional 2D echocardiography and echocardiogram for assessment of early cardiac changes.

Methods In the present study, 50 asymptomatic obese subjects having BMI >30 were compared with 50 normal individuals having BMI in the range 20-24.9 to assess cardiac performance. The study was conducted over a period of 2 years, from 2009 to 2011.

Results There were 20(40%) males and 30(60%) females in both the groups. The ejection fraction was not significantly affected in obese subjects (60.86±1.34%) than normal individual (60.42±1.18%) which was found to be statistically not significant. So, in this study systolic function was not affected. The thickness of left ventricle was significantly increased in obese subjects (1.016±0.113 cm) than normal individual (0.77+0.073 cm) which was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusions The current study revealed increased wall thickness and mass of Left Ventricle (LV), significantly increased risk of LV diastolic dysfunction, evidence of Left Atrial (LA) enlargement associated with diastolic dysfunction, evidence of subclinical LV systolic dysfunction and Right Ventricular (RV) dysfunction among obese subjects in comparison with normal individuals.