Obesity has assumed epidemic proportions around the world. The consequences are cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and malignancies. Mortality and morbidity however vary with the distribution of body fat, the highest risk being linked to excess visceral fat (central obesity). Central obesity is associated with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, diastolic and occasionally systolic dysfunction, as well as dyslipidemias. Left Ventricular Hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmias, and sudden death. It is therefore necessary to know to what extent central obesity is responsible for Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and which measures are implicated.
