Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Free Fatty Acids Cardiovascular Impact

Background: Obesity is a major contributor to coronary artery disease (CAD), with associated cardiovascular risks increasing significantly due to metabolic alterations such as elevated triglycerides and free fatty acids. Existing studies indicate a correlation between metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular outcomes, necessitating further exploration of specific indices like the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) as potential indicators of cardiovascular risk in patients with CAD.

Method: This cross-sectional study involved 200 obese patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Participants were categorized based on their triglyceride-glucose index and free fatty acid levels. The primary endpoint was the assessment of cardiovascular risk using a composite score that included myocardial infarction and hospitalization due to angina. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariate regression to evaluate the associations.

Results: Patients with a high triglyceride-glucose index (>8.5) demonstrated a 35% higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those with a lower index. Free fatty acid levels above 0.8 mmol/L were associated with a 25% increase in composite cardiovascular risk score (P < 0.01). Overall, 18% of the cohort experienced adverse cardiovascular events, correlating with elevated indices, with a 95% confidence interval for risk estimates ranging from 1.5 to 3.2.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of the triglyceride-glucose index and free fatty acids as significant markers of cardiovascular risk in obese patients with coronary artery disease, advocating for their inclusion in regular risk assessments. However, limitations such as the study's cross-sectional design and moderate sample size suggest the need for larger, longitudinal studies to validate these associations and their implications for clinical practice.

Original citation address: https://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2026.015