Epicardial Fat Thickness and Its Impact on Maximum Oxygen Utilisation in Obese Adult Males: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is an emerging marker of cardiovascular risk due to its proximity to the myocardium and its pro-inflammatory effects. Maximum oxygen utilisation (VO₂ Max) is a key indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness, which is often reduced in obesity. This study investigates the correlation between EFT and VO₂ Max in obese adult males to understand their interplay and implications for cardiovascular health.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted over one year at a tertiary care hospital, including 120 obese males aged 30–50 years. EFT was measured using transthoracic echocardiography, and VO₂ Max was assessed via graded treadmill exercise testing. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and multivariate regression, were performed to examine the relationship between EFT and VO₂ Max.
Results: EFT showed a significant inverse correlation with VO₂ Max (r = -0.62, p < 0.001). Participants in the highest EFT quartile (8.1–10.0 mm) had a mean VO₂ Max of 24.8 ± 3.8 mL/kg/min, significantly lower than those in the lowest quartile (5.0–6.0 mm), who recorded 32.1 ± 4.2 mL/kg/min (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression confirmed EFT as an independent predictor of VO₂ Max (\u03b2 = -0.45, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for age, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio. Left ventricular ejection fraction remained preserved in the study population.
Conclusion: The study highlights a significant inverse relationship between EFT and VO₂ Max in obese males, suggesting that increased epicardial fat impairs cardiorespiratory fitness. EFT serves as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular risk in obesity. Targeted interventions, such as weight reduction and exercise, are recommended to reduce epicardial fat and improve cardiorespiratory health.