# A modifiable imaging biomarker: epicardial adipose tissue density in ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries

## TL;DR

This study shows that higher epicardial fat density is linked to a greater risk of heart issues in people with non-blocked arteries, and this risk is reduced by statin use.

## Contribution

The study identifies EAT density as a novel, modifiable biomarker for ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries.

## Key findings

- 37.72% of patients had ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA).
- EAT density was significantly higher in INOCA patients and showed a linear relationship with disease risk.
- Statin use reduced the positive association between EAT density and INOCA risk.

## Abstract

The impact of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) on the risk of non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between EAT and ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA).

This study enrolled 281 patients with angina or other symptoms suggestive of myocardial ischemia who underwent single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI). All patients had confirmed non-obstructive coronary artery disease (stenosis <50%) by either coronary angiography (CAG) or coronary CT angiography (CCTA) within 3 months before or after MPI. Based on MPI results, patients were categorized into ischemic and non-ischemic groups. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) density and volume were measured, and relevant clinical parameters were collected for analysis.

The results revealed that 37.72% of the patients had INOCA, and these patients exhibited significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and EAT density. No statistically significant difference in EAT volume was observed between groups. Both EAT density (OR = −1.846, 95% CI: 1.353–2.559, p < 0.05) and volume (OR = −1.703, 95% CI: 1.151–2.551, p < 0.05) were identified as independent risk factors for INOCA. Furthermore, EAT density demonstrated a linear relationship with disease risk. In statin users, the positive association between EAT density and INOCA was attenuated. (β = −0.039, p = 0.046).

EAT density is an independent risk factor for INOCA, with its increase showing a linear association with INOCA risk. Further, statin use was associated with a reduction in this EAT density-related INOCA risk.