Heart Function in Obese Children
Author Information
Author(s): Taşçılar Mehmet Emre, Yokuşoğlu Mehmet, Boyraz Mehmet, Baysan Oben, Köz Cem, Dündaröz Ruşen
Primary Institution: Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey
Hypothesis
The autonomic nervous system plays a role in the pathophysiology of obesity in children.
Conclusion
Heart rate variability is decreased in obese children, indicating an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, especially in those with insulin resistance.
Supporting Evidence
- Obese children showed a significant decrease in heart rate variability compared to healthy controls.
- Insulin-resistant obese children had a marked decrease in heart rate variability parameters.
- The study used a non-invasive method to assess autonomic nervous system activity.
Takeaway
Obese kids have a harder time with their heart's automatic functions, especially if they have insulin resistance.
Methodology
The study involved 32 obese children and 30 healthy controls, measuring heart rate variability through 24-hour ECG recordings.
Limitations
The study only used time-domain and frequency-domain parameters of HRV, limiting the understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
Participant Demographics
32 obese children (20 male, 12 female) and 30 healthy controls (19 male, 11 female), mean ages 11.6 and 11.0 years respectively.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.857 for age, 0.578 for gender
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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