Evaluation of body-mass index in patients with coronary artery ectasia

Abstract

Aims: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as the dilation of a coronary artery to at least 1.5 times the diameter of the adjacent normal segment, detected in 0.3%-5.3% of coronary angiographies. The body-mass index (BMI), calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²), is the simplest measure for diagnosing obesity. Obesity is linked to cardiovascular diseases, including CAE, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers, with higher BMI increasing the risk of disease. This study aimed to assess the BMI in patients with CAE and to investigate its potential association with the presence of the disease. Methods: In our clinic, CAE patients diagnosed via coronary angiography were retrospectively evaluated, and their BMI values were compared. BMI was calculated using height and weight records from the hospital’s automation system. The study included 111 patients and 111 control individuals. Results: A total of 222 patients were enrolled in the study. It was observed that BMI values were significantly higher in individuals diagnosed with CAE compared to the control group. Moreover, several clinical parameters, including advanced age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels, were associated with the presence of CAE. Conclusion: In this study, BMI was significantly higher in CAE patients. Obesity may contribute to CAE through metabolic factors. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and assess the benefits of weight control in CAE prevention.

Keywords

• Body-mass index (BMI)
• coronary artery ectasia (CAE)
• comorbid diseases

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