Obesity and cardiovascular hemodynamic function.

Marked abnormalities in cardiovascular structure and hemodynamic function are present both in normotensive and hypertensive obese individuals. Cardiac abnormalities include excentric left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial dilatation, a finding compatible with the presence of cardiac volume overload. In contrast, hypertension, often associated with abdominal obesity, is characterized by increased peripheral resistance and concentric hypertrophy. Weight reduction can result in marked improvement of ventricular dimensions and cardiac function in patients undergoing massive weight reduction following bariatric surgery. In this paper we review recent findings that have broadened our understanding of cardiovascular hemodynamic function in obesity.