FACTORS INFLUENCING THE NORMAL HEART WEIGHT : A STUDY OF 140 HEARTS

Abstract

Weight of the heart and its various components (muscular and non muscular portions) was measured in 138 specimens. Average heart weight for Indians was comparatively less then that of western population. Difference between the average heart weights for males and females was found to be statistically significant. The heart weight was not influenced by age and body length but by the body built. A statistically significant difference was noticed in emaciated persons. Ventricular weight constituted 50 to 80 percent of the total heart weight. A close correlation between the heart weight and ventricular weight was seen. Ventricular wall thickness did not correlate well with the heart weight.