Epicardial Fat Thickness and Nighttime Systolic Blood Pressure Variability in Healthy Young Adults

Background: We recognise epicardial fat thickness (EFT) as a biomarker for cardiometabolic risk and blood pressure variability (BPV) as a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity. While studies link them in hypertensive patients, data for healthy young adults are lacking. This study examines the relationship between EFT-BPV in healthy young adults. Demonstrating this relationship in healthy young adults is important for the early detection of individuals at risk and for reducing future cardiovascular mortality. Methods: This study included 172 healthy young adults (18–41 years old). EFT was measured via transthoracic echocardiography, and a 24-hour Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was used to assess BPV. Laboratory tests, body mass index, and fatty liver index were evaluated. Correlations and regression analyses were used to explore associations; significance was set at p < 0.05. Power analysis confirmed an adequate sample size (N=170, f²=0.15, α=0.05, power=0.80). Results: EFT was significantly correlated with 24-hour systolic BPV (r = 0.171, p = 0.028), 24-hour diastolic BPV (r = 0.173, p = 0.025), nighttime systolic BPV (r = 0.193, p = 0.012), and nighttime diastolic BPV (r = 0.183, p = 0.018). Regression analyses identified basophil count, body mass index (BMI), platelet/basophil ratio, and nighttime systolic BPV as independent predictors of EFT (R² = 0.287, p < 0.001). EFT, smoking, and platelet/basophil ratio predicted nighttime systolic BPV (R² = 0.110, p = 0.002). A history of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed a positive but non-significant trend with EFT (p = 0.108). Conclusions: This study reveals a novel link between EFT and nighttime systolic BPV in healthy young adults.