Aims: To study cardiovascular profile in childhood obesity.

Methods: 30 children with obesity were selected based on inclusion criteria. Dietary details , activity and sedentary hours , family history , general and cardiovascular examination were recorded. Body Mass Index Percentile ( as per BMI % tile NCHS/CDC charts ) was assessed. An Electrocardiogram (ECG), six minute walk test for cardiac endurance and Echocardiographic evaluation was done in all.

Results: 66.7% were males and 33.3% were females.23.3% were overweight and 76.7% obese. Exercise intolerance in 56.7%, lethargy in 33.3% and snoring in 16.7% were associated symptoms. Decreased physical activity and sedentary hours positively correlated with BMI (P value < 0.01). Cardiac endurance testing revealed a statistical correlation between increments in mean heart rate per minute in the overweight group vs. the obese group (P value < 0.043). 46.7% had blood pressure between 90th -95th percentile (for age, sex and height matched norms ) and 26.7% had > 95th percentile . Pulse oximetry was normal in all. 26.7% had ECG abnormalities of which 23.3% had left ventricular hypertrophy for age. Left ventricular mass index by echocardiography showed a positive correlation with both, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and BMI (LVMI > 38.6gm/ht 2.7 ). Left ventricular functions including myocardial performance index (normal 0.33 ± 0.05) were within normal limits , indicating preserved left ventricular functions .

Conclusions: Exercise intolerance, hypertension, ECG abnormalities, Left ventricular hypertrophy with high left ventricular mass index are seen in childhood obesity.