CONVENTIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, AORTIC ELASTICITY AND LIPID PROFILES IN OBESE VERSUS HEALTHY CHILDREN

Abstract

Objectives: To compare conventional echocardiography, aortic elasticity and lipid profiles in overweight or obese children with healthy controls. Methodology: This case control study was conducted on 49 obese or overweight children aged 4 to 16 years, equally matched in age and sex of control that were normal regarding body mass index. Echocardiography and aortic elasticity findings measured for both groups and lipid profiles measured for overweight or obese children only. Data analyzed by SPSS 20 considering 0.05 as significant level. Results: Most of the echocardiography findings such as LVDS(P<0.001), LVDD(P<0.001), PWD(P<0.001), IVSS(P<0.001), LVMI(P<0.001), AS(P<0.001), AD(P<0.001) were higher significantly in obese children whereas, FS(P<0.001), FS(P<0.001), AS beta index(P<0.001) and PSEM(P<0.001) were lower compared to healthy. PWD was higher in obese (0.51±0.08 vs 0.46±0.07) compared to healthy children.  Among obese or overweight children, aortic diameter in systole (AoS) (p=0.025) was higher in those with high triglyceride level. LVMI changed from those who had LDL >130. Those who had abnormal LDL (>130) had lower value of AOS (p=0.017). Systolic BP was correlated with AD (p=0.007), Diastolic BP with AS beta Index (p=0.006), AoD with AS (p=0.002), with AD (p<0.001), with AS beta Index (p=0.001) and with PSEM (P<0.001) Conclusion: Heart functions were most at risk in obese children. Amongst obese or overweight children, PWD was higher, when all other heart function were similar.  LVMI was higher in children with elevated LDL level.