Incremental prognostic value of triglyceride glucose index additional to coronary artery calcium score in asymptomatic low-risk population

Background: The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index has been suggested as a reliable surrogate marker of insulin resistance which is a substantial risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Several recent studies have shown the relationship between the TyG index and cardiovascular disease; however, the role of the TyG index in coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression has not been extensively assessed especially in low-risk population.

Methods: We enrolled 5775 Korean adults who had at least two CAC evaluations. We determined the TyG index using ln (fasting triglycerides [mg/dL] x fasting glucose [mg/dL]/2). The CAC progression was defined as either incident CAC in a CAC-free population at baseline or an increase of ≥ 2.5 units between the square roots of the baseline and follow-up coronary artery calcium scores (CACSs) of subjects with detectable CAC at baseline.

Results: CAC progression was seen in 1,382 subjects (23.9%) during mean 3.5 years follow-up. Based on the TyG index, subjects were stratified into four groups. Follow-up CACS and incidence of CAC progression were markedly elevated with rising TyG index quartiles (group I [lowest]:17.6% vs. group II:22.2% vs. group III:24.6% vs. group IV [highest]: 31.3%, p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the TyG index was independent predictor of CAC progression (odds ratio: 1.57; 95% confidence interval: 1.33 to 1.81; p < 0.001) especially in baseline CACS ≤ 100 group.

Conclusion: The TyG index is an independent predictor of CAC progression in low-risk population. It adds incremental risk stratification over established factors including baseline CACS.