Influence of aging on cardiac angulation and sternal contact measurements in healthy domestic cats

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Abstract
Lazy heart is a condition reported in elderly cats, characterized by a more horizontal orientation of the cardiac silhouette relative to the sternum. This study aimed to demonstrate and quantify this horizontalization of the cardiac silhouette and the consequent increase in sternal contact associated with age. Radiographs from 45 cats were evaluated by two observers with different levels of experience, with measurements taken for: the angle between the cardiac silhouette axis and the sternum (ANG), the extent of cardiac silhouette contact with the sternum (CON), the length of the penultimate sternebra (STERN), and the ratio between sternal contact and sternebra length (CON/STERN). Animals were divided into groups: Group 1 (6-12 months), Group 2 (12 months-6 years), and Group 3 (≥7 years). Cats older than seven years exhibited lower ANG and higher CON, whereas younger cats showed shorter STERN. Comparisons between the two observers demonstrated high consistency across all variables and age ranges analyzed. ANG proved to be a useful tool, providing a quantitative approach that can assist in the evaluation of “lazy heart.” The results of this study suggest that aging is associated with changes in cardiac positioning. These findings should be considered in radiographic assessments to avoid misinterpretations that could be mistaken for pathological conditions.

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