Exploring the association between phase angle of bioimpedance at 50 kHz and cardiovascular risk

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation, leading to increased inflammatory markers that can cause cell damage and death. Phase angle has emerged as a marker of cellular health. It is considered a prognostic factor in various acute and chronic conditions. However, few studies have examined its association with cardiovascular disease risk measures. This study aims to investigate the relationship between phase angle, the general Framingham risk score, and the HEARTS cardiovascular risk score.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of adult patients of 2 primary health care services. Phase angle was measured using multifrequency bioimpedance analysis at 50 kHz. The risk of cardiovascular events was calculated using the Framingham and HEARTS risk scores. Statistical analysis included generalized linear regression models, unadjusted and adjusted according to sex and age, to determine the association between scores, risk factors, and phase angle.

Results: The study included 164 individuals with a mean age 52.2 (SD 17.9). According to the HEARTS score, low-risk patients had higher phase angle values than those with high or very high risk [ß = -0.57 (95% CI -0.95; -0.19), P = 0.003]. Framingham scores showed a trend toward significance for higher mean phase angle values in low-risk than high-risk patients [ß = -0.43 (95% CI -0.88 to 0.02), P = 0.06].

Conclusion: Phase angle values were lower in high and very high-risk patients than in low-risk patients, which shows that phase angle is a promising risk predictor for patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis; Cardiovascular Disease; Cardiovascular Risk Calculator; Phase Angle.