Effect of epicardial adipose tissue on diastolic functions and left atrial dimension in untreated hypertensive patients with normal systolic function

AbstractBackgroundAdipose tissue is the source of many adipokines affecting the cardiovascular system either locally or systemically. Although hypertension is one of the most important factors in diastolic dysfunction (DD), the exact cause of this relationship is unknown. There is no specific study in the current literature regarding the association of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with left ventricular DD in patients with essential hypertension.MethodsThe present study was cross-sectional and observational, including 127 patients with untreated hypertension who underwent a complete transthoracic echocardiographic examination as well as measurements of EAT and diastolic parameters.ResultsEAT was significantly correlated with left atrial dimension, DD parameters, and left ventricular (LV) mass as well as age and blood pressure measurements. EAT was also correlated with Framingham risk score (p<0.001). Age and EAT were significantly increased in patients with high grades of DD compared to those with low values (p