Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness and its Corelation with Metabolic Risk Parameters in People Living with HIV: A...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• HIV Medicine
• Metabolic Syndrome Research

Background:

• Epicardial fat inflammation may drive coronary atherosclerosis via an 'outside-in' mechanism.
• Epicardial fat volume is elevated in HIV-infected individuals compared to controls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify Epicardial Adipose tissue (EAT) using Computed Tomography (CT) in HIV patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• To investigate the correlation between EAT and metabolic risk parameters in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study included 215 HIV-infected adults on first-line ART.
• EAT thickness was measured by CT scan, and metabolic parameters were assessed against metabolic syndrome criteria.

Main Results:

• Mean EAT thickness was 8.3 mm ± 0.7 mm, with 12.6% of patients exhibiting EAT >9 mm.
• Significant positive correlations were observed between EAT thickness and triglyceride levels (r=0.364, P=0.04) and HDL cholesterol (r=0.343, P=0.05).

Conclusions:

• Epicardial adipose tissue is increased in people living with HIV (PLHIV) undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
• Elevated EAT is associated with key metabolic syndrome indicators, including waist circumference, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.