Association Between Body Size Phenotypes and Subclinical Atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Metabolic Health
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• The relationship between body mass index (BMI), cardiometabolic disorders, and subclinical atherosclerosis is not well understood.
• Understanding these links is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between different body size phenotypes and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis.
• To determine whether BMI or cardiometabolic abnormalities are stronger predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 3909 middle-aged, asymptomatic subjects.
• Phenotypes were defined by BMI (normal-weight, overweight, obese) and cardiometabolic health.
• Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed using vascular ultrasonography and cardiac CT.

Main Results:

• Subclinical atherosclerosis prevalence increased with BMI in metabolically healthy individuals.
• Metabolically unhealthy individuals showed high prevalence across all BMI categories.
• The number of cardiometabolic abnormalities, rather than BMI alone, was a stronger predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

• Subclinical atherosclerosis prevalence varies significantly across body size phenotypes.
• Interventions targeting cardiometabolic health may be more effective than solely focusing on BMI for cardiovascular risk reduction.