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Visceral adiposity in young patients with coronary artery disease-a case control study

Blessan Varghese1, Smrita Swamy, M A Srilakshmi

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India. blessanv@gmail.com

Indian Heart Journal
|June 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Increased visceral fat area, a marker of central obesity, is strongly linked to a higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in young adults. This visceral adiposity also correlates with key metabolic and inflammatory markers.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Radiology
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Central obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • The role of visceral fat in young patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the significance of visceral fat area (VFA) in young patients diagnosed with CAD.
  • To evaluate VFA as a predictor of cardiovascular risk.

Main Methods:

  • A hospital-based case-control study was conducted.
  • Coronary artery disease was confirmed via coronary angiogram.
  • Computed tomography scans measured subcutaneous and visceral fat area at the umbilical level in cases and age-/sex-matched controls.

Main Results:

  • Visceral fat area (VFA) was significantly higher in CAD cases compared to controls (122.58 ± 37.59 vs. 88.4 ± 36.95 cm²; P=0.003).
  • Subcutaneous fat area was similar between groups.
  • VFA demonstrated excellent predictive value for cardiovascular risk (AUC=0.915) and correlated significantly with BMI, waist-hip ratio, blood sugar, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein.

Conclusions:

  • Visceral adiposity is significantly associated with an increased risk of CAD in young individuals.
  • VFA serves as a valuable indicator of cardiovascular risk and is linked to various anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory markers.
Abstract

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