Early Markers of Atherosclerotic Disease in Individuals with Excess Weight and Dyslipidemia

Abstract

BackgroundExcessive weight is a cardiovascular risk factor since it generates a chronic inflammatory process that aggravates the endothelial function.ObjectiveTo evaluate the endothelial function in individuals with excess weight and mild dyslipidemia using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (BAFMD), and the association of endothelial function with anthropometric and biochemical variables.MethodsCross-sectional study that included 74 individuals and evaluated anthropometric variables (body mass index [BMI], waist-hip ratio [WHR], waist circumference [AC], and percentage of body fat [PBF]), biochemical (blood glucose, insulinemia, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol) and endothelial function (BAFMD, evaluated by ultrasound). The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS, version 16.0. To study the association between the variables, we used chi-square, Student's t and Mann-Whitney tests, and Pearson's correlation. Logistic regression analyzed the independent influence of the factors. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsThe participants had a mean age of 50.8 years, and 57% were female. BMI, WC, WHR, and PBF showed no significant association with BAFMD. The male gender (p = 0.02) and higher serum levels of fibrinogen (p = 0.02) were significantly and independently associated with a BAFMD below 8%.ConclusionsIn individuals with excess weight and mild untreated dyslipidemia, male gender and higher levels of fibrinogen were independently associated with worse BAFMD.

Level of fibrinogen, D-dimers and C-reactive protein, and correlations between these parameters in ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke

“…FIB levels can be higher in patients with stroke versus non-stroke patients [2]. Due to the connection between elevated FIB levels and the early appearance of atherosclerosis symptoms, the increase in FIB concentration is observed in obese people, smokers, and alcohol abusers, while lower in physically active people [3,4].…”

Fibrinogen and Atherosclerosis

“…I have read with great interest the article entitled "Early Markers of Atherosclerotic Disease in Individuals with Excess Weight and Dyslipidemia" by Menti et al 1 recently published in Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia 2016; 106: 457-63. The investigators reported that fibrinogen is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in individuals with excess weight.…”

“…The investigators reported that fibrinogen is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in individuals with excess weight. 1 …”

The Lack of Clinical Applications Would be the Cause of Low Interest in an Endothelial Dysfunction Classification

“…In other words, it is possible to improve endothelial dysfunction using medical treatment and exercise, even without completely reversing it. 16 , 17 …”

“…Perhaps the development of biomarkers may strengthen the clinical reasoning of cardiovascular diseases from the point of view of endothelial dysfunction. 17 - 19 …”