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Published on: February 20, 2017
Epicardial fat volume in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Tuba Khawaja1, Christine Greer, Aalap Chokshi
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|May 14, 2011
Summary
Epicardial fat volume (EFV) decreases with worsening heart failure (HF). This study found lower EFV in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, independent of other risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors like inflammation and metabolism.
- Limited data exist on EAT's role in heart failure (HF) patients.
- EAT volume predicts coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze cardiac adiposity, specifically epicardial fat volume (EFV), in patients with normal and impaired left ventricular (LV) function.
- To investigate the relationship between EFV and markers of morbidity and clinical outcomes in heart failure patients.
Main Methods:
- Low-dose computed tomography (CT) was used to measure EFV and coronary artery calcium in 381 patients.
- Heart failure was defined by LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <55%.
- Patients were stratified by LVEF: normal (>55%), moderate (35-55%), and severe (<35%).
Main Results:
- Patients with decreased LVEF (<55%) had significantly lower mean EFVs (83.5 ± 67.1 cm³) compared to those with normal LVEF (114.5 ± 98.5 cm³).
- A stepwise decrease in EFV was observed with increasing severity of LV dysfunction (moderate HF: 96.1 ± 73.9 cm³; severe HF: 52.2 ± 29.7 cm³).
- Reduced EFV in HF patients persisted regardless of coronary artery calcium scores, renal function, lipid profile, glucose levels, or BMI.
Conclusions:
- Epicardial fat volume is significantly reduced in patients with heart failure.
- A stepwise reduction in EFV correlates with the severity of left ventricular dysfunction.
- EFV may serve as a potential imaging biomarker in heart failure assessment.
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