Correlation between epicardial fat thickness with intima-media thickness and ankle-brachial index in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Background An increase in epicardial fat thickness (EFT) has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and the development of atherosclerosis. Transthoracic echo-cardiography provides a reliable measurement of EFT. We evaluated the relationship of EFT with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and ankle-brachial index (ABI), in patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods We assessed 80 patients with metabolic syndrome who underwent echocardiography; EFT was measured by two cardiologists. The CIMT (B-mode colour imaging of extracranial carotid arteries using high-resolution ultrasound) was also measured by a certified ultrasonographer, and ABI was measured by the main researcher. Results We did not find any correlation between ABI with EFT (r=0.0103, p=0.93) or with CIMT (r=-0.1625, p=0.15). However, we found a significant correlation between EFT and CIMT (r=0.2718, r2=0.074, p=0.015). When we evaluated the risk for a CIMT >0.9 mm in patients with an EFT >3 mm, we found a statistically significant association (p=0.039). Interestingly, only 1 patient with an EFT <3 mm had a CIMT >0.9 mm. Conclusion We found that the EFT correlates with CIMT in patients with metabolic syndrome, which explains, at least in part, the higher risk of atherosclerosis in them. Measurement of EFT should be part of the cardiovascular risk evaluation in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Correlation between levels of circulating adipokines and adiponectin/resistin index with carotid intima-media thickness in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypoadiponectinemia and hyperresistinemia are associated with cardiovascular disease. The increase in the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) assessed by B-mode ultrasound has been directly associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between adipokine levels with CIMT in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Serum levels of adiponectin and resistin levels were measured by ELISA in 30 type 2 diabetic patients with never-treated hypertension and in age-matched healthy controls. The CIMT (B-mode color imaging of extracranial carotid arteries using high-resolution ultrasound) was also obtained. The relationship between adipokine levels and the adiponectin/resistin index with the CIMT was assessed by the Pearson correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: Adiponectin was lower (p < 0.05), and resistin higher (p < 0.01) in patients than in controls, CIMT correlated positively with resistin (R = 0.45, p < 0.02) and the adiponectin/resistin index (R = 0.58, p < 0.001), but not with adiponectin levels (r = -0.11, p > 0.1) in patients. Whereas only adiponectin levels correlated - negatively - with CIMT (r = -0.39, p < 0.02) in controls. CONCLUSION: Our results shown that the adiponectin/resistin index seems to be more strongly associated with atherosclerosis than adipokine levels, and may be used as a reliable marker of cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetic hypertensive patients.

Depression increases the risk for uncontrolled hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Because hypertension and depression share common pathways, it is possible that each disease has an impact on the natural history of the other. OBJECTIVE: To determinate whether depression influences blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Forty hypertensive patients undergoing antihypertensive treatment, excluding beta-blockers and central-acting agents, self-measured their blood pressure several times a day for three days using a validated, commercially available device. All patients also completed the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale survey for depression. Associations between the results of the blood pressure and depression tests were determined using the Spearman correlation coefficient; RR was also measured. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients, 23 were depressed, and 21 of these 23 had poor control of their blood pressure. The RR for uncontrolled hypertension in depressed patients was 15.5. A significant correlation between systolic (r=0.713) and diastolic (r=0.52) blood pressure values and depression was found. CONCLUSION: Depression is common in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and may interfere with blood pressure control. Screening for depression in hypertensive patients is a simple and cost-effective tool that may improve outcomes.

Beneficial effect of combination therapy using an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor plus verapamil on circulating resistin levels in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Resistin levels are strongly correlated with insulin resistance and vascular inflammation. Type 2 diabetic and hypertensive patients have higher circulating levels of resistin, which is associated with endothelial dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of trandolapril (T) and its fixed-dose combination with verapamil (FDTV) on resistin levels in hypertensive, type-2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Forty type-2 diabetic patients with never-treated hypertension were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received FDTV 2 mg/180 mg once per day; the other group received T 2 mg once per day. Study drugs were administered for three months in both groups. Resistin levels were measured using ELISA at the beginning of the study and at study end. Patients were evaluated monthly for blood pressure, fasting serum glucose levels and adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. RESULTS: All patients experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure. Both therapeutic regimens reduced resistin levels; however, FDTV treatment resulted in a greater decrease in resistin levels (mean [± SD] 25.5±13 ng/mL to 17.2±10 ng/mL) when compared with T treatment (22.4±12 ng/mL to 18.5±8 ng/mL) (P<0.05). None of the patients experienced an adverse event. CONCLUSION: Results showed that FDTV resulted in a greater reduction in resistin levels than T treatment alone.

[Validation of diagnosis scales for differencing hemorrhagic from ischemic cerebral vascular disease]. / Escalas clínicas para diferenciar enfermedad vascular cerebral hemorrágica de isquémica.

BACKGROUND: differentiating hemorrhagic from ischemic cerebral vascular disease (CVD) is the starting point for the treatment. The aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the scales that differentiate hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke. METHODS: we applied the scale of Siriraj Stroke Score (SSS) and Greek Stroke Score (GSS) to patients with stroke. The results were described as means and frequencies. For significant variables odds ratio was calculated. We calculated the validity of both scales compared to the head computed tomography. RESULTS: ninety one patients had ischemic stroke and 28 were hemorrhagic. The mean systolic blood pressure in ischemic stroke was 138.94 mmHg (SD ± 26.90) and hemorrhagic was 165.55 mmHg (SD ± 36.40) p = 0.0007. The atherogenic index (AT) in ischemic stroke was 4.52 (SD ± 1.52) and in hemorrhagic was 4.84 (SD ± 2.01) p = 0.87. The specificity of the SSS for hemorrhagic stroke is 85.5 % and 96.7 % for the GSS. CONCLUSIONS: the GSS has a high specificity for hemorrhagic stroke.

[Insulin, renin-angiotensin system, aldosterone and endothelial dysfunction]. / Insulina, sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona y disfunción endotelial.

Beyond its metabolic effects, insulin has several actions on the vasculature. Under normal conditions, insulin maintains normal endothelial function, but in the presence of insulin resistance, insulin leads to endothelial dysfunction. Insulin releases nitric oxide, which promotes an antiatherosclerotic, antiinflamatory and vasodilated state. However, in presence of high levels of angiotensin II, insulin activates pathways that lead to atherosclerosis, vasoconstriction and inflammation. We will review the actions of insulin on the vascular system, and its interactions with other vasoactive mediators, such as angiotensin II and endothelin-1.

[Ankle-brachial index and albuminuria correlation in diabetic patients with normal blood pressure]. / Índice brazo-tobillo y albuminuria en pacientes diabéticos normotensos.

BACKGROUND: both, the ankle-brachial index < 0.9, and microalbuminuria are considered markers of endothelial dysfunction. Our objective was to evaluate if there is a correlation between the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and the degree of albuminuria in diabetic normotensive patients. METHODS: we included 32 diabetic normotensive patients and measured their ABI, and their 24-h urinary albumin excretion by nephelometry; the ABI and albuminuria were correlated with the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: we did not find overall correlation between the ABI and albuminuria (r = 0.21, 95 % CI = -0.14-0.52, p = 0.12); However, when we measured the correlation of an ABI < 0.9 with any degree of albuminuria, we found a significant correlation (r = -0.32 ± 0.11, 95 % CI = 0.027 to -0.6, p = 0.03); and when the correlation of ABI with albuminuria > 300 mg, we also found a significant correlation (r = -0.45 ± 0.11, 95 % CI = -0.015 to -0.76, p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: our results suggest that ABI < 0.9 is a useful marker to estimate microalbuminuria in diabetic normotensive patients.

[Ankle-brachial index assessed in a Mexican population with vascular risk. The INDAGA study]. / Estudio multicéntrico INDAGA. Índice tobillo-brazo anormal en población mexicana con riesgo vascular.

OBJECTIVE: to know the peripheral arterial disease (PAD) prevalence and its determinants in a nationwide survey in Mexican population. METHODS: baseline ankle brachial index (ABI) measured by Doppler was performed in patients at high vascular risk for PAD. ABI between 1 and 1.3 was regarded as normal. ABI ≤ 0.9 (a low ABI) was considered to be an indicator of PAD. ABI > 1.3 (a high ABI) was also considered abnormal, as an indirect index of artery calcification and stiffness. RESULTS: a total of 5 101 patients were evaluated: 1,212 patients (23.8 %) had ABI ≤ 0.9, and 431 (8.4 %) > 1.3 (including 1 % with incompressible vessels). ABI ≤ 0.9 was associated with age, arterial hypertension, diabetes, current smoking, dyslipidemia and previous vascular events. On the other hand, ABI > 1.3 was associated with male gender, diabetes, previous smoking habit and history of vascular events. A high proportion of patients (62.5 %) with established PAD, identified by a low ABI (≤ 0.9) were asymptomatic or with minimum symptoms at the time of their assessment. CONCLUSION: a significant prevalence of abnormal ABI was identified. ABI measurement by Doppler can help to identify patients who need intense secondary prevention and more aggressive treatment of vascular risk factors.

Correlation between the levels of circulating adhesion molecules and atherosclerosis in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients.

Endothelial dysfunction is a common feature in type-2 diabetic patients and in hypertension, and is associated with inflammation, increased levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules, and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules and the degree of atherosclerosis in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients. We studied 30 hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients in whom VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin were measured by ELISA. Additionally, the intimal-medial thickness of both the common and internal carotid arteries was measured (B-mode ultrasound). The levels of circulating adhesion molecules and maximal carotid artery intimal-medial thicknesses were correlated using the Spearman correlation coefficient test. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA. We found significant correlations between ICAM-1 (r = 0.5) levels and maximal carotid artery intimal-medial thickness these patients. No correlation was observed with E-selectin and VCAM-1. Our results suggest that ICAM-1 is associated and correlated with the degree of atherosclerosis in type-2 diabetic hypertensive patients.

Correlation between circulating adhesion molecule levels and albuminuria in type-2 diabetic hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endothelial dysfunction, a common feature among hypertensive and type-2 diabetic patients, is associated with inflammation, increased levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules (SAM), and urinary albumin excretion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of circulating SAM levels in the development of albuminuria in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients. METHODS: We studied 30 hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients and 30 non-diabetic normotensive subjects, and measured their VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin levels by ELISA, and their 24-hour urinary albumin excretion by nephelometry; the levels of circulating adhesion molecules and albuminuria were correlated with the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: We found that the diabetic patients had significantly (p < 0.001) higher levels of circulating SAM than control subjects. When levels of circulating SAM were correlated with albuminuria, we found a significant correlation between VCAM-1 levels and 24-hour urinary albumin excretion (r = 0.4, p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that VCAM-1 may be a marker of nephropathy in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients.

Triglycerides and waist to height ratio are more accurate than visceral adiposity and body adiposity index to predict impaired fasting glucose.

AIMS: To evaluate the clinical accuracy of novel indices visceral adiposity index (VAI) and body adiposity index (BAI) to identify patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and compare with its individual components and other obesity indicators. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mexican population. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, triglycerides (TG), High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), VAI, BAI, waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were determined. We plotted a receiver operating characteristic curves to assess the abilities to discriminate subjects with IFG from those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) of the measurements. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the strength of association with IFG. RESULTS: A total of 280 individuals were included, from which 144 (51.3%) have IFG; the mean age was 47.14 years and 164 (55.5%) were females. Compared with NGT subjects, the participants with IFG had significantly higher levels of BMI, WHtR, VAI, BAI and TG. The measurements with highest area under the curve were TG, (0.631, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.566-0.697) VAI (0.628, 95% CI 0.563-0.693) and WHtR (0.622, 95% CI 0.557-0.688) and in the adjusted binary logistic regression model, were found to be independently associated with IFG, Odds Ratio of 2.665, (95% CI 1.567-4.533) 2.567 (95% CI 1.527-4.317) and 2.171 (95% CI 1.102-4.276) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide evidence that TG, VAI and WHtR could be considered potential tools for the risk assessment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in this population.

The effect of trandolapril and its fixed-dose combination with verapamil on circulating adhesion molecules levels in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients is associated with increased levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules (SAM). SAM participate in the development of diabetic macroangiopathy and microangiopathy. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of trandolapril (T) and its fixed-dose combination with verapamil (FDTV) on SAM levels in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Forty type-2 diabetic patients with never-treated hypertension were randomly assigned to two groups. One group (FDTV) received 2/180 mg once a day; the other group received T 2 mg once a day. Study drugs were administered for three months in both groups. VCAM-1, ICAM, and E-selectin were measured by ELISA at the beginning and end of the study. Patients were evaluated monthly for blood pressure, fasting serum glucose, and adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA. RESULTS: Both therapeutics regimens reduced significantly the levels of the SAM tested. When both groups were compared, we did not find a significant difference in ICAM and E-selectin reduction. However, VCAM-1 presented a significantly greater reduction (p = 0.022) in the trandolapril-verapamil group. No patient suffered adverse events. CONCLUSION: Our results show that FDTV produces a greater reduction of VCAM-1 circulating levels than trandolapril alone. This may explain some of the beneficial effects of this fixed dosed combination that are non-related to its antihypertensive effects.

[Levels of soluble adhesion molecules among normal and hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients]. / Niveles de moléculas de adhesión solubles en pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 normotensos e hipertensos.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and type-2 diabetes affect endothelial function, which in turn increases the expression of soluble adhesion molecules and lead to the development of vascular damage. The aim of this study was to assess soluble adhesion molecule levels among normotensive and hypertensive diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum levels of soluble VCAM1, ICAM1 and e-selectin were measured in 80 type-2 diabetic patients, (40 normotensive and 40 hypertensive), and in 40 normotensive non-diabetic subjects by ELISA (RyDSystems Minneapolis). Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA. RESULTS: Among diabetic patients, levels of all three soluble adhesion molecules were significantly increased when compared with non-diabetic patients (p < 0.001 for all three molecules), In diabetic hypertensive patients, higher levels of ICAM1 were detected in comparison to normotensive diabetic patients (316 vs. 295 ng/ml p < 0.01), VCAM1 and e-selectin levels were not different between diabetic patients with and without hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes is associated with increased levels of soluble adhesion molecules, suggesting a role of these molecules may play in endothelial damage. ICAM1 is further increased when hypertension and diabetes are present. The latter may explain why diabetic-hypertensive patients displayed more complications than normotensive patients.

Combination therapy in the treatment of hypertension.

Hypertension is a major preventable risk factor for atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. Although modern and effective antihypertensive drugs are available, most patients remain with a suboptimal blood pressure control. Most hypertensive patients will need a combination of antihypertensive agents to achieve the therapeutic goals - recent guidelines recommend initiating treatment with two drugs in those patients with a systolic blood pressure >20 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure >10 mmHg above the goals, and in those patients with high cardiovascular risk. In addition, approximately 25% of patients will require three antihypertensive agents to achieve the therapeutic targets. In this review, we analyse the latest information available regarding the treatment of hypertension with combination therapy.

[Effect of the components of the metabolic syndrome on pulmonary function. The unexpected role of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol]. / Efecto de los componentes del síndrome metabólico en la función pulmonar. El inesperado papel del colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de alta densidad.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a condition that predisposes to cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. In addition, it can have effects over neoplastic pathologies, liver and pulmonary function. Our objective is to analyze the effect of the metabolic syndrome and its components on pulmonary function. METHOD: 110 subjects from Mexico City were evaluated and anthropometric measurements, glucose determination, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were made. They underwent a simple spirometry. Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was made following the NCEP-ATPIII criteria. RESULTS: Of 110 individuals, 90 (82%) were women and 20 men (18%); 71 subjects (65%) presented metabolic syndrome. Subjects with central obesity had a forced vital capacity (FVC) lower than subjects without central obesity (2.72 vs. 3.11 liters; p < 0.05). Those with low HDL had better spirometric results than subjects with normal HDL (FEV1 2.36 vs. 1.85 liters; p < 0.05), FVC (2.95 vs. 2.45 liters; p < 0.05) and FEV1/FVC ratio (0.78 vs.74; p < 0.05). Hypertensive subjects presented lower volumes in FEV1 (1.91 vs. 2.38; p < 0.05) and FVC (2.49 vs. 2.99; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is no difference between the spirometry volumes of patients with metabolic syndrome versus the metabolically healthy subjects. The only factors associated with a decrease in FEV1 and FVC are central obesity and arterial hypertension. An unexpected finding was the negative correlation between HDL levels and lung function.

ANTECEDENTES: El síndrome metabólico es un estado que predispone a enfermedad cardiovascular y diabetes mellitus. Además, puede repercutir en la función hepática, en patologías neoplásicas y en la función pulmonar. Nuestro objetivo es analizar el efecto del síndrome metabólico y sus componentes sobre la función pulmonar. MÉTODO: Se evaluaron 110 sujetos de la Ciudad de México a quienes se realizaron mediciones antropométricas, determinación de glucosa, triglicéridos y colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL). Se les practicó una espirometría simple. Se realizó el diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico siguiendo los criterios NCEP-ATPIII. RESULTADOS: De 110 individuos, 90 (82%) fueron mujeres y 20 hombres (18%), y 71 (65%) presentaron síndrome metabólico. Los sujetos con obesidad central tuvieron una capacidad vital forzada (CVF) menor que aquellos sin obesidad central (2.72 vs. 3.11 l; p < 0.05). Los que presentaron colesterol HDL bajo tuvieron mejores resultados espirométricos que los sujetos con colesterol HDL normal (volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo [VEF1] 2.36 vs. 1.85 l; p < 0.05), mejor CVF (2.95 vs. 2.45 l; p < 0.05) y mejor relación VEF1/CVF (78 vs. 74; p < 0.05). Los sujetos hipertensos presentaron menores volúmenes en VEF1 (1.91 vs. 2.38; p < 0.05) y CVF (2.49 vs. 2.99; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: No existe diferencia en los volúmenes espirométricos de pacientes con síndrome metabólico al compararlos con sujetos metabólicamente sanos. Solo la obesidad central y la hipertensión arterial se asocian con disminución del VEF1 y la CVF. Un hallazgo inesperado es la correlación negativa entre los valores de colesterol HDL y la función pulmonar.

¿Debemos manejar la hiperuricemia asintomática para proteger al riñón?

Contexto: el ácido úrico es el producto final de la degradación de las purinas en los primates, en condiciones normales es un agente antioxidante endógeno y participa en varias vías fisiológicas, sin embargo, cuando los niveles séricos de urato se incrementan, estos participan en el desarrollo de diversas enfermedades. Desde el siglo XIX se conoce de la asociación entre hiperuricemia y daño renal, aunque ninguna guía de manejo recomienda el uso de fármacos hipouricemiantes en pacientes asintomáticos, en algunos casos especiales, el manejo farmacológico beneficiará a pacientes con hiperuricemia, brindando protección al riñón y disminuyendo el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad renal terminal. Objetivo: describir la relación entre hiperuricemia y daño renal, y analizar los casos en los que el manejo de esta condición con medicamentos resultará en un beneficio para el riñón de los pacientes. Metodología: revisión de la literatura sobre la participación de la hiperuricemia en el daño renal y análisis de los artículos revisados. Resultados: el manejo de la hiperuricemia asintomática puede proteger el riñón en algunas situaciones específicas. Conclusiones: hay situaciones específicas para la disminución de los niveles séricos de ácido úrico.

Background: Uric acid is the end product of purine degradation in primates, under normal conditions it is an endogenous antioxidant agent and participates in several physiological pathways. However, when serum urate levels are increased, they participate in the development of various diseases. Since the nineteenth century, the association between hyperuricemia and kidney damage has been known. Although no management guideline recommends the use of hypouricemic drugs in asymptomatic patients, in some special cases pharmacological management will benefit patients with hyperuricemia, providing protection to the kidney and decreasing the risk of developing end-stage renal disease. Purpose: To describe the relationship between hyperuricemia and kidney damage, and to analyze the cases in which the management of this condition with medications will result in a benefit for the kidney of patients. Methodology: Review of the literature on the involvement of hyperuricemia in kidney damage, analysis of the reviewed articles. Results: Management of asymptomatic hyperuricemia may protect the kidney in some specific situations. Conclusions: There are specific situations for the decrease of serum uric acid levels.

Prehypertension is associated with peripheral arterial disease and low ankle-brachial index.

Patients with prehypertension suffer endothelial dysfunction and are at increased cardiovascular risk. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) constitutes an efficient tool for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease; but also an ABI<0.9 is an independent and positive predictor of endothelial dysfunction and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. THE AIM: of this study was testing whether ABI was decreased in prehypertensive patients when compared with normotensive subjects. METHODS: We included 70 prehypertensive patients older than 19 years, in whom the ABI was registered with a 5 megahertz Doppler (Summit Doppler L250, Life Dop., USA). The highest ankle systolic pressure was divided by the highest brachial systolic pressure. We also included 70 normotensive subjects in whom the ABI was registered in the same way. The measurements were performed by the same physician who was blinded about the study. Statistical analysis was performed with odds ratio and student t-test. RESULTS: The ABI values in normotensive subjects were 1.023±0.21, whereas prehypertensive patients significantly had lower ABI (0.90±0.14p=0.00012). We found ABI <0.9 in 30 prehypertensive patients (42.85%) and 13 normotensive patients (18.5%). The odds ratio of ABI <0.90 in prehypertensive patients was 3.288 (IC95 1.5-7.0, p=0.0023). A regression analysis failed to show any independent association between ABI values and any other clinical parameter. CONCLUSIONS: Prehypertensive patients had lower ABI and higher prevalence of peripheral artery disease when compared with normotensive subjects; this fact increases their cardiovascular risk. ABI must be included in global evaluation of prehypertensive subjects.

Correlation between epicardial fat thickness and biochemical markers of metabolic risk. / Correlación entre el grosor de la grasa epicárdica y los marcadores bioquímicos de riesgo metabólico.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Epicardial fat has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and the development of atherosclerosis. Transthoracic echocardiography provides a reliable measurement of epicardial fat thickness (EFT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between EFT and biochemical parameters of metabolic risk. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We assessed 211 patients who underwent echocardiography; EFT was measured by two cardiologists. In addition, patients' glycaemia, lipid profile and serum uric acid were measured. Statistical analysis was performed with the Pearson coefficient test and Odds ratio. RESULTS: A positive correlation between EFT with glycaemia (r=.064), total serum cholesterol (r=.0056), high density lipoproteins (r=-.038), or with triglycerides (r=.118) was not observed. However, we did find a significant positive correlation between EFT and serum uric acid (r=.415, P<.00001). The odds ratio for EFT>3mm in patients with hyperuricemia was 6.26 (IC 95 2.79-14, P<.0001). CONCLUSION: Hyperuricemia is strongly associated with EFT in Mexican patients; EFT is a useful tool for global cardiovascular risk calculation.