| Increases in cardiac mass, ventricular dimensions, and stroke
volume are typically observed in obese adults, accompanied by evidence
of diminished ventricular systolic and diastolic function. Given sufficient
severity and duration of excessive body fat, signs of overt congestive
heart failure may ensue (cardiomyopathy of obesity). This review of
cardiac findings in obese children and adolescents indicates similar
anatomic features as well as early subclinical findings of ventricular
dysfunction. However, cardiac functional reserve (cardiovascular fitness)
appears to be preserved even in those with morbid levels of obesity.
KEY
WORDS: Obesity, heart, child.
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