Nutr Rev. 2025 Jul 28:nuaf123. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaf123. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: The phase angle (PhA) of bioimpedance is a noninvasive parameter that has been reported to reflect the health and integrity of cells. Data on how PhA is related to cardiovascular risk factors are controversial.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the association between PhA and cardiovascular risk factors in participants over 18 years old.
DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2000-2024) to identify studies reporting the relationship between PhA and cardiovascular risk factors, including lipid profile, glycemic control, blood pressure, central obesity, and serum uric acid.
DATA EXTRACTION: Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model due to high heterogeneity (I2 statistic). Subgroup analyses by gender and health status, as well as meta-regressions, were conducted to explore heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Of 812 identified studies, 27 met the inclusion criteria.
DATA ANALYSIS: There were varied associations between PhA and key health markers. For lipid profiles, a significant negative correlation was observed with total cholesterol (r = -0.10, P = .02) in individuals with chronic conditions. With regard to glycemic control, PhA showed a significant negative correlation with fasting blood glucose (r = -0.18, P < .001) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r = -0.17, P = .02) in men. Diastolic blood pressure was positively correlated with PhA in the males and healthy subgroups (P < .05), while a significant negative correlation with systolic blood pressure was identified in unhealthy individuals (r = -0.10, P < .001). No significant correlations were found between PhA and other cardiovascular risk factors (P > .05).
CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis identified the potential of PhA as a noninvasive tool for cardiovascular risk assessment; however, the inconsistent findings necessitate further research considering other potential confounders as well as recruiting larger samples in other populations.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024597723.
PMID:40720635 | DOI:10.1093/nutrit/nuaf123
