Effect of obesity and blood pressure dipping status on left ventricular mass in normotensive young adults

Despite the established links between obesity, blood pressure variability, and cardiovascular risks, the specific impact of the interaction between obesity and non-dipping blood pressure status on left ventricular mass (LVM) in normotensive individuals remains underexplored. Most studies have focused on hypertensive populations, leaving a critical gap in understanding how these factors contribute to cardiovascular changes in normotensive young adults. This study aims to address this gap by examining the combined effects of obesity and blood pressure dipping status on LVM in a normotensive cohort of young subjects. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Hasanuddin University Hospital and Central General Hospital (RSUP) Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo from March 2023, with a sample of 63 subjects divided into 32 dippers and 31 non-dippers. Interviews and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were used to collect blood pressure data and history of hypertension. LVM measurements were obtained via echocardiography. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: LVM was significantly greater in males, obese individuals, and non-dippers compared to females, non-obese individuals, and dippers (178.2±141.6 g vs. 102.68±32.1 g; 156.3±124.3 g vs. 101.39±26.02 g; 150.5±118.6 g vs. 103.5±38.4 g with p=0.029, p=0.026, p=0.037, respectively). Both non-dipping status and obesity significantly affected LVM, with odds ratios of 4.27 and 3.31, respectively (p<0.05). Non-dipping status was the dominant factor affecting LVM, with the lowest risk observed in the dipping and non-obese group (OR=1.00). Conclusion: Obesity and non-dipping blood pressure status, and their interaction, increase LVM. It is necessary to control obesity in young adults even if they are normotensive.