Left Ventricle Dilatation: Early Marker of Structural Remodelling of the Heart in Obese People

Abstract

Objective: Transthoracic echocardiography is used to examine whether or not left ventricular dilatation is an early and independent indicator of cardiac remodeling in obese people.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Al-Batool Hospital (bariatic surgery consultation), from January to October, 2024.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was consisted of 200 adults between the ages of 30 and 60 were split into two groups: non-obese (body mass index 22.4, n=80) and obese (body mass index ≥30, n=120). Left ventricular end- diastolic diameter left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular mass index, and ejection fraction were assessed using standard 2D transthoracic echocardiography. Multivariate regression and Student's t-check were used for statistical comparisons.

Results: Compared to non-obesity controls, obese people had significantly higher mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (5.9±0.3 cm vs 5±0.4 cm, p<0.001) and left ventricular mass index (128±14 g/m2 vs. 97±13 g/m2, p<0.001). Left ventricular dilatation linked to body mass index (r=0.6, p<0.001). After indexing for age, sex, and hypertension, left ventricular dilatation still showed a correlation with body mass index (r=0.622, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Even in the absence of obvious clinical symptoms, LV dilatation is a unique and early echocardiographic indicator of structural heart transformation in obese people.