Researchers Link Obesity to Enlarged Heart

Yet another study on the linkage between obesity and heart disease has come up with a possible reason for the increase in risk of heart disease and excessive body weight. The research was conducted at The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center.

The largest of its kind study was carried out by cardiologist Dr. M. Reza Movahed and research specialist Dr. Adolfo A. Martinez and colleagues. The researchers analysed a total of 17,261 ultrasounds before arriving at their findings. They studied moving images of the heart to evaluate the structure and function of the organ.

Their analysis revealed that excessive body weight is linked to a thickening of the heart muscle in the heart’s main pumping chamber – the left ventricle. This condition is medically termed left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and can potentially cause heart failure and rhythm problems.

The researchers found that narrowing of the aortic valve was the strongest predictor of LVH. The aortic valve is the main valve that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. Gender and Body Mass Index were next in line in terms of being strong predictors.

“We observed that the thickening in the muscle wall becomes especially noticeable in obese patients who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater,” said Dr. Movahed. “Previous studies have shown that left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with a higher risk of mortality.”

The researchers haven’t been able to pinpoint the cause of LVH in obese patients but hypothesize that it might be on account of increased work load on the heart or the presence of other cardiac risk factors in the patients.

Presenting their findings at the 18th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) in Seattle, the researchers expressed hope that their findings may help physicians studying obesity and cardiac function.

“These results are another stake in the ground that supports healthy lifestyles for the benefit of heart protection,” said Dr. Movahed. “Maintaining a proportionate BMI may prevent LVH and lead to better heart function.”

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