In the largest study of its kinds, University of Arizona researchers reveal new findings linking excessive body weight with a higher risk for heart disease.

Cardiologist M. Reza Movahed, M.D., Ph.D., and Research Specialist Adolfo A. Martinez, M.D., both from the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, analyzed 17,261 heart ultrasounds. They studied moving images of the heart in order to evaluate structure and function.

Courtesy: UA Sarver Heart Center

“We observed that the thickening in the muscle wall becomes especially noticeable in obese patients who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater,” Dr. Movahed reveled. “Previous studies have shown that left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with a higher risk of mortality.”

Other study results showed that the narrowing of the main valve that carries blood away from the heart towards the rest of the body, known as the aortic valve, was the most notable predictor of LVH, followed by gender and BMI.

The news release indicates that the exact cause of LVH in obese patients is still not know, although researchers believe it may be related to increased workload or the presence of other cardiac risk factors in individual patients.

Dr. Movahed added that, “These results are another stake in the ground that supports healthy lifestyles for the benefit of heart protection. Maintaining a proportionate BMI may prevent LVH and lead to better heart function.”

Doctors Movahed and Martinez say they hope these findings guide other physicians who study obesity and cardiac function. They presented the results from their study at the 18^th annual Scientific Sessions of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) in Seattle, Washington.