Fat Around Critical Organs Heart, Liver Best
Predictor of Decreased Heart Function
Body mass index doesnt tell the important story,
according to new research
Nov. 13, 2009 Body mass index (BMI) the much
talked about measure of obesity and subsequent health risks when an
individual scores too high is not the best predictor of some important
health dangers, such as cardiovascular problems. Researchers have
discovered that fat collection in different body locations, such as
around the heart and the aorta and within the liver, are a better
indicator of decreased heart functions.
The Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM)
study, which appears on-line in Obesity, also found that
measuring a person's BMI does not reliably predict the amount of
undesired fat in and around these vital organs.
The prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly in the
United States. Recent estimates suggest that approximately 30 percent of
the adult population meets this criterion. Past studies have shown that
fat accumulation in the liver and around the heart are linked to
cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
BUSM researchers compared fat volumes in obese
persons (BMI over 30), all of whom had high blood pressure and/or
diabetes, and lean healthy persons (average BMI of 22).
All subjects
underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton MR spectroscopy to
quantify pericardial and peri-aortic lipid volumes, cardiac function,
aortic compliance and intra-hepatic lipid content. Fasting plasma
lipoproteins, glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids were also measured
among the subjects.
Study finds Body Mass Index not the best indicator
of mortality
August 8, 2006
The researchers found fat collections in
anatomically separate locations, such as within the liver and around the
heart, to be associated to cardiovascular function including a
decrease in cardiac pumping function as fat around the heart
increased.
However, they also found that the amount of fat around the
heart and aorta was not predicted by the BMI of the individual in this
population.
"Our study found that fat collection around the
heart, the aorta and within the liver is clearly associated with
decreased heart functions and that an MRI can quickly and noninvasively
measure fat volume in these areas.
"Our study also found that looking at
BMI of the individual does not reliably predict the amount of undesired
fat in and around organs," said James Hamilton, PhD, senior author and
project leader, and a professor of biophysics, physiology and biomedical
engineering at BUSM.
According to the researchers, this method of
measuring cardiac function and fat depots can be done in less than one
hour, and may provide a basis for future individualized treatment.
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Citizens and Obesity in SeniorJournal.com Archives
Nov. 13, 2009 Body mass index (BMI) the much
talked about measure of obesity and subsequent health risks when an
individual scores too high is not the best predictor of some important
health dangers, such as cardiovascular problems. Researchers have
discovered that fat collection in different body locations, such as
around the heart and the aorta and within the liver, are a better
indicator of decreased heart functions. 