Relation of metabolic syndrome to the presence and severity of coronary artery ectasia

Abstract

Background Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) refers to abnormal dilatation of the coronary vasculature. CAE has been suggested to be associated with inflammation. Previous studies have confirmed a positive association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and inflammatory markers. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the association between CAE and MS and to evaluate the relationship between CAE severity and MS score.Patients and methods A total number of 100 patients with the diagnosis of coronary angiographic isolated CAE constituted the first group and 100 patients with obstructive coronary artery disease constituted the second group. Isolated CAE was defined as CAE without significant obstructive coronary artery stenosis. The severity of isolated CAE was determined according to the Markis classification. Obstructive coronary artery disease was defined as stenosis 50% or more of the lumen of one or major epicardial coronary artery. MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. The MS score was defined as the number of MS components present.Results Male sex predominance, a higher prevalence of MS, a higher level of triglycerides, and a lower of level of high-density lipoprotein were found in patients with isolated CAE (P=0.016, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, MS was independently associated with isolated CAE (odds ratio: 1.315; 95% confidence interval: 1.206–1.434; P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between CAE severity evaluated by means of the Markis classification and MS score. The severity of CAE was found to increase with increased MS score (r=−0.601 and P<0.001).Conclusion Isolated CAE is associated with MS and the severity of CAE increases with higher MS score.