Association of body mass index with coronary artery disease and chronic kidney disease: An autopsy study

Body mass index (BMI) is a critical determinant of mortality, and higher BMI is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

An autopsy-based prospective descriptive pilot study conducted over 02 years. All the cases of age between 18 and 70 years without any known comorbidities were considered for the study. BMI was calculated and during autopsy heart was examined for any coronary artery stenosis and kidney were examined grossly and sent for histopathology examination.

This study has a male predominance, with 73.1 % male and 26.9 % female. Maximum cases were in age group 51-60 years (25 %). 60.6 % cases were in normal BMI and 39.4 % cases were in abnormal BMI. Left anterior descending artery (LAD) was the most commonly involved artery with stenosis >50 %. Glomerulosclerosis was present in 8.65 % cases and tubular atrophy was present in 6.73 % cases. When normal BMI vs abnormal BMI was compared with LAD (p 0.00), LCX (p 0.01) and RCA (p 0.01) stenosis, tubular atrophy (p 0.05), strong association was found and when compared with glomerulosclerosis (p 0.13) no association was found.

There is a strong connection between BMI and both CAD and CKD, although the degree and nature of these connections can vary depending on several factors. To have complete assessment of one's risk factors for CAD and CKD, it is crucial to undergo regular health check-ups and engage in conversations with healthcare professional.