The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and coronary artery stenosis by sex and menopausal status in patients with suspected angina

Background

Evidence suggests that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is closely related to coronary artery stenosis (CAS). However, sexual dimorphism may be present in adipose tissue, and its influence on CAS between men and women is controversial. We assessed the relationship between EAT and CAS by sex and menopausal status in patients with suspected angina.

Methods

Six hundred twenty-eight consecutive patients (men/women n?=?257/371; mean age = 59.9?±?10.2?years) who had chest pain for angina and underwent coronary angiography were included. CAS was defined as >?50% luminal narrowing of at least one epicardial coronary artery. EAT thickness was measured by transthoracic echocardiography.

Results

Of the 628 patients, 52.1% (n?=?134) of men and 35.3% (n?=?131) of women had CAS. The mean EAT thickness was not different between men and women and was larger in patients with CAS (8.04?±?2.39 vs 6.58?±?1.88?mm, P?P?P?

Conclusion

In patients with suspected angina, an increase in EAT thickness was independently related to the presence of CAS in both men and women, with it being stronger in men. According to menopausal status in women, EAT thickness is significantly associated with CAS only in postmenopausal women.