Peripheral Adiposity Exhibits an Independent Dominant Antiatherogenic Effect in Elderly Women

Abstract

Background— Although several lines of evidence point to an atherogenic role of central fat mass (CFM), few data are available to address the specific role played by peripheral fat mass (PFM). Methods and Results— This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 1356 women aged 60 to 85 years. Study variables were physical measures, CFM and PFM measured by DEXA, aortic calcification (AC) graded on lateral radiographs, lipid and glucose metabolites, blood pressure, and information on lifestyle factors and coronary disease. Peripheral fat mass showed independent negative correlation with both atherogenic metabolic risk factors and AC (PConclusions— In elderly women, localization of fat mass is apparently more important for atherosclerosis than obesity per se; although CFM is associated with atherogenic tendencies, PFM seems to exhibit an independent dominant antiatherogenic effect.