I read with interest the paper “Resting Heart Rate Variability is Independently Associated with Visceral Fat Rating Scores in Saudi Adult Males” by Syed Shahid Habib et al., published in ABC Cardiolcomparing heart rate variability (HRV) in 99 healthy men stratified by visceral fat rating (VFR) and showing associations between HRV and body composition metrics, but I have some reservations. Heart rate variability has been demonstrated as a convenient method for assessing individual homeostatic status. Attempts to establish reference values […]

Abstract Background: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) may be a specific modifiable contributor to body composition-related autonomic impairment. Objectives: To compare heart rate variability (HRV) between groups stratified by visceral fat rating (VFR) and compare associations between HRV and body composition metrics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on healthy men (n=99,age=37.8±13.4 years, body mass index [BMI]=26.9±4.6 kg/m2). HRV was derived from 5-minute electrocardiographic recordings. Body composition (body fat percentage, VFR, and muscle mass to visceral fat ratio [MMVFR]) was estimated […]

Abstract Background The increase in epicardial fat volume (EFV) is related to coronary artery disease (CAD), independent of visceral or subcutaneous fat. The mechanism underlying this association is unclear. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and endothelial dysfunction are related to coronary events, but whether EFV is related to these markers needs further clarification. Objectives To evaluate the association between automatically measured EFV, cardiovascular risk factors, CAC, and endothelial function. Methods In 470 participants from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult […]