The relationship between nutritional and cardiometabolic factors and epicardial fat thickness in adults in preoperative cardiac surgery

Selena Morra-Coronel; Natalia Osorio-Monteverde; Noelia Moreira-Diana; Tania Vaquero; María Alexandra Cabrera-Rodríguez; Juan Martín Antelo; Marcela Guerendiain

Selena Morra-Coronel Academic Unit of Research, School of Nutrition, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
Natalia Osorio-Monteverde Academic Unit of Research, School of Nutrition, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
Noelia Moreira-Diana Academic Unit of Research, School of Nutrition, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
Tania Vaquero Academic Unit of Research, School of Nutrition, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
María Alexandra Cabrera-Rodríguez Academic Unit of Research, School of Nutrition, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
Juan Martín Antelo Institute of Integral Cardiology, Montevideo, Uruguay
Marcela Guerendiain Academic Unit of Research, School of Nutrition, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay

Keywords: epicardial fat, cardiac surgery, dietary intake, cardiometabolic profile, nutritional status

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are related to higher epicardial fat thickness (EFT), which has been associated with metabolic diseases. However, the evidence on its relationship with dietary intake is limited. Thus, we aimed to analyze the relationship between nutritional and cardiometabolic factors and EFT in patients in preoperative cardiac surgery. A cross-sectional descriptive study included adult patients (with heart bypass surgery, n=24, and without bypass surgery, n=11). EFT was measured by a transthoracic echocardiogram. Waist circumference (WC), weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were taken. Fat and dietary fiber intake were measured using the Block Screening Questionnaire. The daily free-sugar intake in infusions was quantified. Biochemical data, medications, and blood pressure measurements were collected from the medical history. EFT was higher in patients with heart bypass surgery (p=0.028). A direct relationship was found between EFT and glycemia (p=0.006), triglycerides (p=0.013) and WC (p=0.033). Patients with higher EFT had a higher BMI than those with normal EFT (p=0.001). Participants with diabetes mellitus (p=0.026) or metabolic syndrome (p=0.005) had higher EFT. No association was found between dietary intake and EFT. In conclusion, a higher WC, BMI, glycemia, plasma triglyceride level, and the presence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus are associated with higher EFT.