Pro-atherogenic mediators and subclinical atherogenesis are related to epicardial adipose tissue thickness in patients with cardiovascular risk

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between pro-atherogenic biomarkers and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsPlasma nitric oxide (NO), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, EAT thickness, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) were determined in patients aged >18 years who were referred for echocardiography for heart ischemia or non-ischemic diseases. Cardiovascular risk factors (Framingham score [FS] ≥ 20) were weighted.ResultsHypertension, dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus were prevalent (≥55% of 40 patients). Patients with FS ≥ 20 (n = 21) showed significantly higher EAT and CIMT values. Globally, MDA, CIMT, age, waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and FS were associated with EAT thickness. EAT was significantly associated with NO in patients with FS ≥ 20. Significant differences in EAT thickness were found between patients stratified...