Cardiac adaptations in a group of obese women
1984
The differences in cardiac structure and function between 10 obese women and 10 age-and height-matched controls were examined. All subjects reported good health and had normal electrocardiograms. Resting heart rate and lean body mass were similar for the obese women and controls; percent body fat and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly greater in the obese women. Standard M-mode echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac anatomy and function. The left ventricular mass and wall thickness of the obese women was significantly greater than that of the controls. Left ventricular and diastolic volume, end systolic-volume, and left atrial and aortic root dimensions were significantly greater in the obese women. Significant correlations were found between left ventricular muscle mass and left ventricular end-diastolic volume and total body weight. The authors conclude that significant structural changes occur in obese subjects free of cardiovascular symptoms and that the changes parallel increases in body weight. It is not known whether the changes observed have any prognostic significance for future cardiovascular events should the women maintain their obesity over an extended period of time. (aj)
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