Influence of fat distribution on blood flow of major organs in young healthy subjects

AIM To investigate the influence of fat distribution on the blood flow distribution of major organs in healthy young subjects. METHODSForty-nine young healthy volunteers were divided into two groups: normal weight group (BMI<24, n=27) and overweight group (BMI≥24, n=22). Visceral and subcutaneous fat were measured by ultrasound. Cardiac output and blood flow volume distributed to the brain, abdomen and limbs were calculated. Peripheral arterial resistance index was acquired. RESULTSIn males, visceral fat was thicker ［(5.0±0.4) cm vs.(3.2±0.2) cm, P<0.01］ and waist to hip ratio (W/H ratio) was higher (0.90±0.01 vs. 0.83±0.01, P<0.01) compared with those in females. Although W/H ratio was significantly correlated with blood flow to the limbs, no such correlation was found in males or females. Cardiac output was remarkably increased in overweight group and cerebral blood flow volume was significantly increased in overweight males compared with those in non-overweight males ［(0.84±0.17) l/min vs.(1.05±0.22) l/min, P<0.05］. Vertebral arterial resistance index was decreased (0.66±0.10 vs. 0.57±0.07, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONFat distribution exerts no obvious effect on blood flow of major organs in young healthy subjects.