Relationship between the number of atherosclerosis risk factors and body composition classification including skeletal muscle mass

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between skeletal muscle mass and atherosclerosis risk according to body composition considering skeletal muscle mass, obesity, and visceral fat accumulation. A total of 4347 men and 1097 women were included. The participants were classified into eight body composition pattern groups within or outside the reference levels (body mass index, waist circumference, and percentage of skeletal muscle). Atherosclerosis risk was defined as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. The relationship between average number of atherosclerosis risk factors and body composition was investigated in the eight groups. Decreased skeletal muscle mass may be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in both men and women, in that order (percentage of skeletal muscle was a negative contributor). In cases in which body mass index and waist circumference were at the same level, a relatively low skeletal muscle mass may be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Further sex-based pathophysiological studies are required.