Scientific Reports (Oct 2021)

Sex-specific associations of body composition measures with cardiac function and structure after 8 years of follow-up

  • Sharon Remmelzwaal,
  • Joline W. J. Beulens,
  • Petra J. M. Elders,
  • Coen D. A. Stehouwer,
  • M. Louis Handoko,
  • Yolande Appelman,
  • Vanessa van Empel,
  • Stephane R. B. Heymans,
  • A. Johanne van Ballegooijen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00541-x
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract We investigated the prospective associations of body composition with cardiac structure and function and explored effect modification by sex and whether inflammation was a mediator in these associations. Total body (BF), trunk (TF) and leg fat (LF), and total lean mass (LM) were measured at baseline by a whole body DXA scan. Inflammatory biomarkers and echocardiographic measures were determined both at baseline and follow-up in the Hoorn Study (n = 321). We performed linear regression analyses with body composition measures as determinant and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) or left atrial volume index (LAVI) at follow-up as outcome. Additionally, we performed mediation analysis using inflammation at follow-up as mediator. The study population was 67.7 ± 5.2 years and 50% were female. After adjustment, BF, TF and LF, and LM were associated with LVMI with regression coefficients of 2.9 (0.8; 5.1)g/m2.7, 2.3 (0.6; 4.0)g/m2.7, 2.0 (0.04; 4.0)g/m2.7 and − 2.9 (− 5.1; − 0.7)g/m2.7. Body composition measures were not associated with LVEF or LAVI. These associations were not modified by sex or mediated by inflammation. Body composition could play a role in the pathophysiology of LV hypertrophy. Future research should focus on sex differences in regional adiposity in relation with diastolic dysfunction.