To investigate the relationship between epicardial fat area (EFA) and the occurrence and severity of atrial fibrillation (AF), and to explore potential factors associated with AF development, including demographic and clinical variables.
Key Findings:
EFA was significantly higher in AF patients compared to SR controls (13.42 vs. 7.30 cm2, p < 0.001).
EFA increased progressively from paroxysmal to persistent to permanent AF.
EFA and left atrial volume index (LAVI) were independent factors associated with AF occurrence (EFA: OR 1.307, 95% CI 1.214–1.407; LAVI: OR 1.057, 95% CI 1.034–1.081).
ROC analysis showed EFA had an area under the curve of 0.836 for predicting AF.
Interpretation:
EFA is closely associated with both the occurrence and severity of AF, suggesting it may serve as a valuable independent risk factor for AF development.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may introduce selection bias, potentially affecting the reliability of the findings.
Single-center study limits generalizability, as results may not be applicable to broader populations.
Conclusion:
EFA, along with LAVI, may be important predictors of AF risk and severity, warranting further investigation.
