Introduction:

Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between the fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4 index) and EFT in newly-diagnosed hypertensive patients and explore the usability of the FIB-4 index in predicting non-dipper blood pressure (BP) pattern.

Materials and methods:

Our case–control study consisted of 210 patients in 3 groups according to BP values, namely normotensive, dipper, and non-dipper groups. Transthoracic echocardiography and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring were performed in all patients.

Results:

The median FIB-4 index was higher in the non-dipper group [1.56 (1.10-2)] than in the dipper [1 (0.71-1.32)] and normotensive groups [0.96 (0.69-1.32)] (p < 0.001, for both). A positive correlation was observed between EFT and the FIB-4 index (r=0.389, p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, EFT (odds ratio (OR): 0.506, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.288-2.135; p<0.001) and FIB-4 index (OR: 1.099, 95% CI: 1.621–5.556; p<0.001) were found to be independent predictors of non-dipper BP. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the FIB-4 index had 68% sensitivity and 72% specificity at a value >1.25 (area under the curve: 0.751, 95%CI: 0.679-0.823, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

In newly-diagnosed hypertensive people, the FIB-4 index is related to non-dipper BP patterns. FIB-4 index appears to be a helpful tool in assessing risk associated with cardiovascular disease.

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