Correlation of Functional Capacity with Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness in Coronary Artery Disease Patients: An Observational Study

Background: Excessive Cardiac adiposity is responsible for coronary atherosclerosis by secreting many active cytokines and regulating insulin sensitivity. Patients experience a downward spiral due to coronary artery disease (CAD), which reduces physical activity and progressively worsens exercise tolerance. Additionally, people with CAD have diminished functional capacities, decreased capacity to carry out everyday activities, and lower quality of life (QOL). Objective: This study aims to correlate functional capacity and epicardial adipose tissue thickness in CAD patients. Material and Methods: This study included 22 CAD patients who met the study inclusion criteria using a cross-sectional research design. Data were collected after angiography confirmed the diagnosis of CAD. Demographic data and baseline measures were recorded before starting the examination. Treadmill stress testing and 2D echocardiography were performed. Result: Mean age group was 54.13±6.76, height (160.5±9.84), weight (66.6±6.542), and Male/Female 13/09. The mean Vo2max was 20.97+6.4 mL/kg/min, and the mean Epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EAT) was 12.72+2.78 mm. Functional capacity and EAT showed a negative correlation (r = -0.05) and found a non-significant result. Conclusion: The study concludes that CAD patients showed higher EAT than usual and low VO2 max but did not find significant EAT thickness changes in functional capacity. Key words: Epicardial adipose tissue thickness, coronary artery disease, functional capacity, treadmill stress testing.