Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the left ventricle structure and its functions in obese children without established complications and none obese children. Material and Methods: Anthropometric and conventional echocardiographic parameters of cardiac geometry and left ventricular function were obtained in 40 obese children without any other disease and complication of obesity like hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and a control group of 40 healthy lean. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels were obtained and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were calculated. Results: Height, weight, body surface area and body mass index (BMI), were found significantly higher in the obese group (P < 0.001). Insulin and HOMA‐IR scores were higher in obese group. No significant differences were observed for left ventricular systolic and diastolic diameter (P > 0.05). Left ventricular mass (LVM), LVM/ht, LVM/BMI and relative wall thickness (RWT) were significantly increased in obese children than the controls (P < 0.001) and most of them had eccentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Ejection fraction was significantly decreased seen obese group. A positive correlation was seen between BMI and LV posterior wall thickness and interventricular septal thickness (R > 0.45, P < 0.05). Both types of hypertrophy were seen in insulin resistant obese group. Conclusion: The known causes are altered homeostatic and neurohumoral mechanisms and compensation of higher metabolic demands and increased left ventricular mass, reduced myocardial performance due to hemodynamic load associated with higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates.

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