Related Experiment Videos
Correlation Between Fat Attenuation Index and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review and
Yingzi Tan1,2, Yaojian Wang2, Boya Zhao2
1Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029 Beijing, China.
Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine
|May 11, 2026
Summary
This meta-analysis confirms a significant link between the fat attenuation index (FAI) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Elevated FAI levels indicate a higher risk of MACE, suggesting its potential as a predictive imaging biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Biomarkers
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Previous research on the association between the fat attenuation index (FAI) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) has yielded inconsistent findings.
- The fat attenuation index (FAI) is an imaging parameter derived from CT scans, reflecting lipid content in atherosclerotic plaques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the association between the fat attenuation index (FAI) and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) through a meta-analysis.
- To synthesize existing evidence to clarify the predictive value of FAI for MACE risk.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across four major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library).
- Included studies comprised cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional designs evaluating FAI (total, RCA, LCX, LAD) and MACE.
- Data extraction and quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) were performed by two independent researchers. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4, with hazard ratios (HRs) used for risk estimation and Egger's test for publication bias assessment.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two studies with 10,224 participants were included in the meta-analysis.
- A significant correlation was found between MACE and total FAI, both as a categorical (HR=2.77) and continuous variable (HR=1.15).
- Significant associations were also observed between MACE risk and FAI in the RCA (categorical HR=2.10, continuous HR=1.06), LAD (categorical HR=2.76, continuous HR=1.09), and LCX (categorical HR=2.68, continuous HR=1.07) arteries. Individuals with higher FAI levels demonstrated a substantially increased risk of MACE.
Conclusions:
- This meta-analysis demonstrates a significant association between the fat attenuation index (FAI) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
- Elevated FAI values are consistently linked to a higher risk of experiencing MACE.
- The findings suggest that FAI holds potential as a valuable imaging biomarker for predicting MACE risk.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...