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Obesity is independently associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction in patients with normal or mildly diseased

J Al Suwaidi1, S T Higano, D R Holmes

  • 1Center for Coronary Physiology and Imaging, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

Insights

Obesity is linked to impaired coronary endothelial function in patients with normal or mild coronary artery disease. This finding highlights obesity as an independent risk factor for endothelial dysfunction, impacting heart health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Obesity Medicine

Background:

  • Obesity is recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) as a modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease.
  • Coronary endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator of cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of obesity on coronary endothelial function.
  • To assess endothelial function in patients with normal or mild coronary artery disease across different body mass index (BMI) categories.

Main Methods:

  • 397 patients with normal or mild coronary artery disease underwent coronary vascular reactivity testing.
  • Patients were categorized into normal weight (BMI <25), overweight (BMI 25-30), and obese (BMI >30) groups.
  • Coronary blood flow response to intracoronary acetylcholine was measured.

Main Results:

  • Obese patients exhibited significantly lower coronary blood flow response to acetylcholine compared to normal-weight individuals.
  • Overweight and obesity were independently associated with impaired coronary endothelial function (OR 1.55 and 2.41, respectively).
  • No significant differences in other cardiovascular risk factors were observed between groups, except for age in overweight patients.

Conclusions:

  • Obesity is independently associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction.
  • These findings suggest that weight management is crucial for maintaining endothelial health in patients with coronary artery disease.
Abstract

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