ASSOCIATION OF VISCERAL OBESITY WITH LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY AND DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION

Abstract

Introduction: Visceral obesity is increasingly recognized as an important cardiovascular risk factor associated with adverse cardiac remodeling, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction. Early identification of obesity related cardiac abnormalities may help prevent progression to overt cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Aim of the study was to evaluate the association of visceral obesity with left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine among 100 adult subjects. Clinical history, anthropometric measurements including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist–hip ratio were recorded. Visceral obesity was assessed using standard anthropometric criteria. All participants underwent echocardiographic evaluation for assessment of left ventricular mass index and diastolic function. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Visceral obesity was present in 68% of the study population. Left ventricular hypertrophy was observed in 46% and diastolic dysfunction in 52% of subjects. Patients with visceral obesity had significantly higher prevalence of LVH (87.0% vs 51.9%, p<0.001) and diastolic dysfunction (84.6% vs 50.0%, p<0.001). Waist circumference showed significant positive correlation with left ventricular mass index and E/e′ ratio. Visceral obesity was identified as an independent predictor of both LVH and diastolic dysfunction. Conclusion: Visceral obesity is strongly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Early cardiovascular evaluation in individuals with visceral obesity may help detect subclinical cardiac dysfunction and reduce future cardiovascular risk.