BACKGROUND The body fat and its distribution is an important risk factor for coronary artery diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body composition and abdominal obesity in patients with and without coronary involvement in stable angina. METHODS One hundred and sixty-one patients who underwent coronary angiography for stable angina were divided into two groups: patients with or without coronary heart disease (CHD). Participants underwent bioimpedance analysis for measurement of adipose tissues and lean body mass. RESULTS No significant difference in body mass index and weight was found between two groups. Mean levels of waist circumference, waist to hip ratio and fat mass were significantly higher in CHD group (P = 0.02, P = 0.04 and P = 0.01). Fat-free mass was also significantly higher in non-CHD group (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Screening for adiposity in subjects by body composition measurement method and determining fat distribution could better identify those at higher risk for CHD.