Background: A relatively novel rat stain, Zucker Fatty Diabetes Mellitus (ZFDM) rats, represent early obesity and diabetes without feeding high-fat diet. We aimed to clarify the cardiovascular dynamics of ZFDM rats. 
Methods: Using 12-38-week-old male ZFDM-Lepr^fa/fa rats (Homo), an obese and diabetic phenotype, and ZFDM-Lepr^fa/- rats (Hetero), a normal control phenotype, body weight, body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride were measured. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured by a tail-cuff system. 
Results: In Homo compared with Hetero, body weight was heavier at 12-16-week-old, similar at 17-30-week-old, and lighter at 35-38-week-old. BMI in Homo was higher than Hetero. Blood glucose (12, 16, 21, and 36-38-week-old) and lipid (total cholesterol and triglyceride at 19-week-old) in Homo were higher than Hetero. There was no difference in SBP between Homo and Hetero, while HR in Homo was lower than Hetero. 
Discussion: ZFDM-Lepr^fa/fa rats (Homo) represent early obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, while high blood pressure was not observed until 38-week-old.