OBESITY-INDUCED HYPERTENSION IN THE DOG -INCIDENCE ON THE LEFT-VENTRICLE

Obesity and hypertension are frequently associated. The aim of our stu dy was to assess the effects of hight fat diet on weight, blood pressu re and left ventricule in dogs. We studied 6 male Beagle dogs before a nd after 7 weeks of hypercaloric hyperlipidic diet. Echocardiography w as used to measure left ventricular wall thickness, volumes, ejection fraction and mass. Results are expressed as % of variation of initial values. After 20 weeks, dogs presented abdominal obesity with increase d body weight (11.9 +/- 2.3 to 15.2 +/- 2 kg; p < 0.03) associated wit h an increasing of systolic (196.5 +/- 14.6 to 260.1 +/- 17.5 mmHg; p < 0.03), diastolic (76.6 +/- 9 to 110.6 +/- 10.2; p < 0.004) and mean blood pressure (128.8 +/- 7 to 152.7 +/- 7.6 mmHg; p < 0.004). There w ere non significant changes concerning diastolic thickness of septum a nd posterior wall. Left ventricular volumes increased in diastole (41. 1 +/- 4.5 to 48.9 +/- 10.3 cm(3); p < 0.03) and systole (12.2 +/- 1.7 to 14.9 +/- 3.2 cm(3); p < 0.03). So, despite any changes in wall thic kness, we observed an increased of ventricular mass (67 +/- 15 to 80 /- 24.3 g : p < 0.03). Ejection fraction remained unchanged. Conclusio n : it appears that hight fat diet induces obesity and hypertension in dogs; changes in left ventricule suggest a volodependent hypertension .