A Study of the Impact of Body Mass Index on Diastolic Function in Patients with Normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a major public health epidemic and is associated with increased risk of heart failure and mortality. We evaluated the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction (DD). Materials and methods: Echocardiography was performed in 100 patients that showed normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Diastolic dysfunction was assessed. Diastolic function was labeled as normal, stage 1, stage 2, or stage 3/4 dysfunction. Peak early and late transmitral diastolic flow velocities (E, A) and E/A were calculated. The study sample was including both nonobese (BMI <25.0 kg/m 2 ) and obese (BMI >25.0 kg/m 2 ). Results: Our study consisted of 100 patients with normal LVEF, in which DD was assessed. Fifty-five (55%) were females and 45 (45%) males. Majority of patients were in the age group of 4th to 6th decade of life. Diastolic dysfunction was present in 81 (81%) patients. Patients who had BMI >25, 21 out of 21 (100%) had DD. In this study, there was statistically significant correlation found between BMI and prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) with p value of 0.003. There was a linear increase in prevalence of DD with increasing age out of 100, 38 patients had left atrial (LA) size >40 mm. Conclusion: Increased BMI was associated with worse LV diastolic function independent of LV mass and associated risk factors. The increased risk of LVDD in obese individuals may account for the increased risk of heart failure.