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Obesity is associated with impaired human coronary endothelial function
Matthew I Worthley1, Michael J Curtis1, David M Goodhart1
1Department of Cardiac Sciences and the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Obesity Research & Clinical Practice
|December 19, 2013
Summary
Obesity is linked to poor heart blood vessel function. Higher body mass index (BMI) in coronary artery disease patients is associated with reduced blood flow in the heart's small vessels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Peripheral endothelial dysfunction is linked to obesity, but its role in coronary circulation is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and coronary endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative coronary angiography and Doppler Flo-wire were used to measure coronary diameter and blood flow.
- Endothelial function was assessed using intracoronary acetylcholine, nitroglycerin, and adenosine.
- Patients were categorized into normal weight (BMI < 25), overweight (BMI 25-29.9), and obese (BMI ≥ 30) groups.
Main Results:
- A significant impairment in acetylcholine-mediated coronary blood flow change was observed in obese patients (37 ± 15%) compared to normal weight patients (101 ± 28%).
- No significant differences in epicardial constrictor response to acetylcholine were found across BMI groups.
Conclusions:
- High BMI in coronary artery disease patients is associated with impaired microvascular endothelial-dependent function.
- This suggests obesity negatively impacts coronary microvascular function.
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