Figure 3.

The impact of fat distribution on cardiovascular function and geometry. Visceral obesity (assessed by VAT volume) and general obesity (assessed by SAT volume and BF%) exhibit different associations with structural and functional cardiovascular properties. Where general obesity is associated with larger LV volumes and greater CO, visceral obesity is associated with a smaller end-diastolic volume and lower LV systolic function. All measures of obesity are associated with increased vascular stiffness, with the strongest association for visceral obesity. AIx, augmentation index; CI, cardiac index; CO, cardiac output; EDV, end-diastolic volume; EF, ejection fraction; ESV, end-systolic volume; SAT, subcutaneous adipose tissue; VAT, visceral adipose tissue.