CHILDHOOD OBESITY LINKED WITH HEART PROBLEMS

Childhood obesity is epidemic in today’s youths. Now scientists warn that obese youngsters are at risk of heart abnormalities. These findings were presented Monday at the American College of Cardiology’s annual scientific sessions in Chicago.

The study used innovative tissue Doppler imaging echocardiograms to assess diastolic function in 146 obese children. These were compared to echocardiograms of children of normal weight. The hearts of obese children were “significantly different,” according to chief investigator, Dr. Tom Kimball.

“The ventricle may be getting stiffer,” he says. “The chamber becomes harder to fill and blood could potentially back up if the relaxation abnormalities become severe. This is the beginning stage of potential problems that can best be avoided by losing weight.”

American College of Cardiology – March 31, 2003. http://www.acc.org/