Evaluation of physiological changes in Cardiac function and structure associated with Body Surface Area

Abstract

In order to detect changes in the structure and functions of the heart produced by disease, it is important to determine the physiological changes in the heart associated with age, sex, race, weight and body surface area. We studied 75 normal healthy subjects to evaluate the physiological changes associated with body surface area. There was high degree of assurance that people included in this study were free of any heart problem. A thorough physical examination was done in each individual and ECG, blood sugar and blood urea was tested in each case. Blood pressure was recorded in each case. Any person showing any abnormality was not included in this study. M-mode and 2D cross-sectional echocardiography was done in each subject. Left ventricular dimension and volume, right ventricular dimension, left atrial size, area of mitral and aortic valves, stroke volume, cardiac output, fractional shortening and ejection fraction were measured in all the subjects. Height and body weight was recorded. With the help of DuBois graph, body surface area was calculated. Individuals were divided into 3 groups group I with body surface area less than 1.5m2. Group II persons having body surface area between 1.5 to 1.7m2. Group III included individuals whose body surface area was more than 1.7m2. It was noted that all the parameters increased with increase in body surface area. Systolic and diastolic dimensions of left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrial size and indices of left ventricular function followed a linear regression upon direct linear function of body surface area. The study clearly indicates that relatively higher values in cardiac chamber size and functions in the subjects of higher body surface area do not indicate and abnormality.