Regional fat distribution is associated with subclinical left atrial and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in early adult obesity

Motivation: Whether obese subjects with no clinical signs or comorbidities have diastolic dysfunction is unclear. Goal(s): We non-invasively assess diastolic function in adults with uncomplicated obesity and evaluate its association with fat distribution. Approach: Left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) strain and volume-time curve using cardiac magnetic resonance were compared. Results: The obese patients had impaired diastolic function, manifested as lower LV diastolic strain rates and peak filling rate index and declined LA reservoir and conduit function compared with controls. Central fat has a negative association while peripheral fat has a positive association on diastolic function. Impact: CMR-derived feature tracking and volume-time curve non-invasively detected subclinical diastolic dysfunction in early adult obesity with preserved LVEF. This study also suggests that recognizing the role of different areas of fat on the heart may be beneficial for obese patients.