Endocrine Abstracts

Morbid obesity is accompanied by multiple comorbidities and may be associated with a high mortality risk. Cardiac manifestations accompany morbid obesity and may account for the increased morbidity and mortality risk which accompanies the disorder. However, cardiac insufficiency as the first cardiovascular manifestation in morbid obesity is a less recognized comorbidity. The aim was to describe cardiac insufficiency as the first cardiovascular disease manifestation in morbid obesity. A cohort of 10 morbidly obese patients (3 female and 7 male) aged 43.8±6.9 years (mean±SD) is described. Patients had a MBI of 51.3±3.8 kg/m². None of the patients had a history of cardiac disease. Patients presented for evaluation with multiple symptoms, mainly inability to exercise and peripheral edema. They were metabolically evaluated. Mild diabetes mellitus was diagnosed. Cardiological evaluation revealed the presence of cardiac insufficiency. Morbid obesity severely affects quality of life. The disease is difficult to treat and persists. Patients although they may try to lose weight, either they cannot attain their goal, or they may gain weight again. Cardiac insufficiency as the first symptom of cardiovascular involvement in morbid obesity severely affects quality of life and may lead to early mortality. In other studies obesity accompanied by malnutrition has been associated with adverse cardiac remodeling. Patients with morbid obesity should be counseled appropriately on the possible adverse effects of morbid obesity on cardiovascular health and the possibility of early and severe cardiovascular involvement.