Effect of obesity and hypertension on left ventricular geometry and function among asymptomatic Indian adults

Hypertension & obesity are important independent predictors of cardiovascular morbidity & mortality specifically left ventricular (LV) functions. With the Objectives to examine the effect of obesity & hypertension on echocardiographic parameters of geometry, systolic, and diastolic functions of left ventricle in asymptomatic adults the cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 individuals (60 male & 40 female). Their Blood Pressure & Body Mass Index was recorded following which they were divided into obese normotensives & non-obese hypertensive. Echocardiographic parameters indicating LV geometry and function were recorded. Data was statistically analysed with Unpaired t test considering p value <0.05 as significant. LV geometry and LV systolic function parameters were significantly altered in non-obese hypertensive. Parameters of LV diastolic functions were affected in obese normotensives. 54% of obese normotensives had LV diastolic dysfunction & 58% of non-obese hypertensive had LV diastolic dysfunction. 2% of obese non-hypertensive individuals had LV systolic dysfunction & 6% of non-obese hypertensive had LV diastolic dysfunction. Hypertension significantly affects LV geometry, LV systolic and diastolic function. Obesity affects LV geometry & diastolic functions of LV even in individuals with preserved systolic function.