Kim MK, et al. – This study investigated the link between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in healthy Korean adults. In study participants, the TyG index versus insulin resistance index of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was more independently related to the presence of coronary artery atherosclerosis.

Methods

• This study included a total of 4319 participants who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) in a health promotion center.
• Researchers measured anthropometric profiles and multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
• The TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2], and the insulin resistance index of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was estimated.
• In addition, they measured CAC using multidetector CT, and CAC presence was defined as an Agatston score of >0.

Results

• Data reported that all subjects were stratified into four groups based on their TyG indices.
• Researchers observed significant differences in cardiovascular parameters among the groups, and they noted that the prevalence of CAC significantly increased with increasing TyG index.
• In the logistic regression analysis after adjustment for multiple risk factors, it was demonstrated that the odds ratio for the prevalence of CAC, when comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of the TyG index was 1.95 (95% CI 1.23–3.11; P for trend = 0.01); the odds ratio for the prevalence of CAC, when comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of HOMA-IR was 1.64 (95% CI 1.12–2.40; P for trend = 0.04).
• In addition, it was shown in the receiver operating characteristics analysis that the TyG index was superior to HOMA-IR in predicting CAC.