Belly fat linked to artery plaque in new imaging study

NCT ID NCT01447745

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Laval University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed study looked at 357 healthy adults aged 35-65 to understand how excess belly fat relates to the buildup of fatty plaque in arteries, a key cause of heart attacks. Using MRI and CT scans, researchers measured abdominal fat and artery wall thickness. The goal was to clarify why body shape matters more than body size for heart disease risk, potentially leading to better prevention strategies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this research could lead to better ways to identify people at risk for heart disease based on belly fat rather than just body weight.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial, so it won't directly test any therapy. Results may not lead to immediate clinical changes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

abdominal obesity-metabolic syndrome atherosclerosis metabolic syndrome X Obesity, Abdominal

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ATHEROSCLEROSIS METABOLIC SYNDROME VISCERAL OBESITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec

Québec, G1V 4G5, Canada

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