Ectopic adiposity is associated with autonomic risk factors and subclinical cardiovascular disease in young adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine the relationship between ectopic adiposity and markers of cardiometabolic risk, autonomic control, and subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

Cross-sectional analyses were performed in 324 subjects with overweight and obesity. Single-slice CT images were analyzed to calculate thigh muscle attenuation (MA), a measure of ectopic adiposity. Autonomic control was assessed using low-frequency to respiratory-frequency heart rate variability (LFa/RFa ratio). Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was a marker of subclinical CVD.

Results

Among overweight participants, those with low MA had lower HDL-c, higher LFa/RFa ratio, and subcutaneous thigh fat compared to high MA individuals despite no difference in visceral fat or insulin resistance. Sign

SUBMITTER: Lee JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4587338 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature