Original Articles
Development of a New Index of Body Shape to Detect Ischemic Electrocardiogram Abnormalities
2019 Volume 77 Issue 2 Pages 39-45
Details
2019 Volume 77 Issue 2 Pages 39-45
Objective: To create a new, non-invasive index of body shape to detect electrocardiogram abnormalities related to ischemic heart disease (IHD).
Method: We studied 12,628 participants who underwent computed tomography (CT) examination during medical check-ups between 2004 to 2010. The new Body Shape Index (BSI) was created based on a regression analysis with height, weight, and waist circumference measured by CT (WCCT) as independent variables, and IHD-related electrocardiogram abnormalities (observed electrocardiogram abnormality or currently being treated for myocardial infarction) as a dependent variable. By drawing ROC curves, the ability of BSI to detect IHD-related electrocardiographic abnormalities was compared with that of visceral fat area (VFA), sum of visceral and subcutaneous fat area, WCCT, and body mass index (BMI).
Results: The area under the curve (AUC) for BSI's ability to detect IHD-related electrocardiogram abnormalities in men was significantly larger than that for VFA, WCCT, and BMI (p < 0.01). In women, the AUC for BSI was significantly larger than that for WCCT and BMI (p < 0.05), and it was almost equal to that for VFA. BSIs of -1.2 and -2.4 could detect IHD-related electrocardiogram abnormalities with a sensitivity of 80% in men and women, respectively.
Conclusion: As compared to VFA, BSI exhibited better or equal ability to detect IHD-related electrocardiogram abnormalities in men and women, respectively, suggesting its utility in medical practice. In future, it is necessary to assess the IHD risk assessment ability of BSI in a longitudinal study.
