Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Background: The degenerative process known as coronary artery disease can present as either non-obstructive or obstructive, but its hallmark is the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque in the epicardial arteries. The primary cause of atherosclerosis, which is predominantly an inflammatory process involving lipids, is the accumulation of lipoprotein particles in specific regions of the arteries. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been shown to increase the likelihood of certain cardiovascular complications, including coronary artery disease. Consequently, the utilization of EAT for risk stratification in patients who exhibit respiratory symptoms may prove advantageous.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the association between the amount of epicardial fat, the degree of coronary artery calcification, and the severity of coronary artery disease using multi-slice structural computed tomography (MSCT).

Research Approach: There were 120 participants in the trial; all had been referred for MSCT coronay angiography due to suspicions of coronary artery disease.

Results: According to the results of the MSCT, there is a significant positive association (p<0.00001) between the EFV and Ca score. When comparing individuals with normal coronary arteries to those with coronary lesions, the EFV value was considerably greater in the former group (p>0.00001), regardless of whether the lesions were caused by single vessel disease or multivessel disease. Also, EFV and the number of sick coronaries did not differ significantly (P=0.441).

Conclusion: In patients suspected of having ischemic heart disease, EFV can be utilized to determine if atheroslerotic coronary artery disease is present or not.