VENTRICULAR MASS IN HYPERTENSIVE AND NORMOTENSIVE OBESE SUBJECTS

Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed in 29 normotensive obes e subjects and 21 hypertensive obese subjects representative of the Ch ilean population. The left ventricular mass (LVM) did not correlate wi th height or body surface area (BSA) in these patients, but positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), tricipital skinfold thickness and blood pressure (BP). The LVM/ BSA ratio was significantly higher i n the hypertensive subjects and was correlated with BP only. Left vent ricular hypertrophy (LVM/BSA > 120 or 150g/m(2) in women or men, respe ctively) was found in 28% of normotensive and 58% of hypertensive subj ects (P = 0.036). No statistical differences were found in relative wa ll thickness (RWT) between both groups. Posterior wall thickness was i ndependently associated with BP while interventricular septum thicknes s was positively associated with the waist/hip ratio. Systolic functio n, evaluated through fractional shortening and end systolic diameters, was negatively and independently associated with body fat area. Left ventricular hypertrophy is a prevalent condition in these obese subjec ts. Hypertension seems to exert an additive effect, mainly increasing posterior wall thick ness. Fat accumulation was negatively related to systolic function in this sample, irrespective of blood pressure.