Correlation between epicardial fat thickness and maximum oxygen utilisation in obese adult males: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: In general, the accumulation of fats causes a decrease in exercise tolerance. The effect of various obesity parameters on exercise tolerance is not clear. Theoretically, epicardial fat is an energy source for myocardial contraction but also releases pro-inflammatory factors, limiting coronary blood flow. No data are available about the influence of epicardial fats on exercise tolerance. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 31 obese males aged 25–35. The parameters recorded were body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (W/H ratio), and percentage body fat (%BF), which were calculated by measuring skinfold thickness at various standard sites. To determine aerobic exercise performance, VO 2 max was determined using a treadmill. The epicardial fat thickness (EFT) was measured by echocardiography, at short and long axis. Results: Demographic values for 31 subjects BMI (26.50 ± 1.34) kg/m 2 , W/H ratio (1.02 ± 0.013) and %BF (25.09 ± 4.29) showed obesity. The EFT on ultrasound showed EFT at the short axis (3.45 ± 1.39 mm) and EFT at the long axis (3.09 ± 1.24 mm). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing showed an estimated VO 2 max (32.74 ± 5.38 mL/kg/min) for 31 subjects. On Pearson’s correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis, it was noted that only the EFT at the short axis showed a statistically significant negative correlation with VO 2 max ( P < 0.05), along with 13.7% of independent prediction. Conclusion: The results suggested that epicardial fat (measured in short axis view) plays an important role as a limiting factor for exercise affecting aerobic capacity, particularly in obese young adults.