Association between epicardial fat thickness and premature coronary artery disease: A case control study

Abstract

Background:The association between epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and premature coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been elaborately studied. Objectives: In the present study, we sought whether such a relationship between EFT and CAD exists. Patients and Methods: Sixty two consecutive subjects, under 50 years of age, who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) with the aspect of CAD, were included in this case control study. They were divided into two groups of 31 subjects, namely CAD (cases) and non-CAD (controls) group, according to CAG data. Presence of conventional coronary risk factors, drug history, and anthropometric data were recorded. Then, each subject underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography for measuring EFT in the proximal part of right ventricular outflow tract in the parasternal long axis view at end diastole, as well as other parameters of systolic and diastolic function, and left ventricle (LV) mass. Images were stored for offline analysis when the echocardiocardiographers were blind to CAG data. Results: Among baseline characteristics, waist circumference, triglyceride levels, cigarette smoking and history of statin use were significantly higher in the CAD group. The body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the non-CAD group. According to echocardiographic data, the EFT with a cut off value of 2.95 mm could well differentiate subjects in each group. The LV mass and E/e were significantly higher in CAD group, in addition to EFT. Also, there was a significant correlation between EFT and waist circumference, as well as LV mass. However, no significant relation was between EFT and LV systolic and diastolic function. Conclusions:The EFT, as measured by echocardiography, with a cut off value 2.95 mm has a strong association with premature CAD.

Ultrasound Detection of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Combined With Ischemic Modified Albumin in the Diagnosis of Coronary Heart Disease

“…At present, EAT is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, and the thickness of EAT is positively correlated with the severity of coronary artery disease. It has a good application value in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease [Yuan 2014;Faghihi 2015]. This study also confirmed that the thickness of EAT in patients with coronary heart disease was significantly higher than that in the normal control group, and the thickness of EAT was positively correlated with the severity of coronary heart disease.…”