Epicardial adipose tissue is a predictor of ascending aortic dilatation in hypertensive patients, but not paracardial adipose tissue

Abstract Background Ascending aortic aneurysms are one of the major causes of mortality. In recent years, there is a growing interest of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and related diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of EAT, and PAT with ascending aortic dilatation (AAD). Methods We included 934 patients with hypertension in this study. The patients were evaluated by a complete transthoracic echocardiographic examination, including measurements of EAT, PAT, and aortic dimensions. Aortic size index (ASI) was used for diagnosing AAD. The patients were divided into two groups: dilated ascending aorta diameter (ASI ≥ 21 mm / m2, n = 102) or normal aortic diameter (ASI 0.45 cm had 51.9% sensitivity and 62.3% specificity [AUC = 0.617, P = 0.012, 95% CI (0.529–0.707)]. Conclusion Based on our findings, increased EAT may be suggested as an independent risk factor for AAD due to local or systemic effects in hypertensive patients.