Uncovering Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT): The Hidden Peril to Your Heart
Hidden Danger to the Heart: The Silent, Deadly Fat That Puts Your Heart at Risk
You've likely heard about the dangers of visceral fat, but there's a lesser-known type lurking around your heart that could be just as harmful - epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). This fatty tissue, found between the heart's outermost layer and its membrane, plays a significant role in cardiac function and disease.
The Dual Role of EAT in Heart Health
This sneaky fatty tissue can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on your heart, depending on its volume and inflammation levels.
- Volume and Composition: An abundance of EAT, particularly when inflamed, is linked to obesity-related cardiac dysfunction [1]. The makeup of EAT varies, with some folks possessing an excess of ectopic fat and increased inflammation [2].
- Inflammation: Inflammation within EAT is a key factor in heart disease. It triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, among other problems [2].
- Metabolic Impact: Metabolically active, EAT influences local myocardial metabolism by secreting factors that impact heart muscle function [3].
- Therapeutic Interventions: Studies have shown that select medications, such as semaglutide and exenatide, can alter EAT's inflammatory and metabolic properties, potentially minimizing its harmful effects on the heart [4].
Considering EAT's impact on heart health, managing its volume and inflammation is crucial for preventing cardiac diseases.
Spotting EAT: What the Mirror Doesn't Tell You Alone
While doctors can assess the thickness of EAT using echocardiograms, MRIs, or CAT scans, you can get a rough idea by examining your waistline. Studies have linked EAT thickness to abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat, measured by BMI and waist circumference [5]. A BMI greater than 25 indicates increased risk, and a waist measurement of over 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women could suggest too much EAT.
Good news: Losing weight reduces EAT as well. Research shows that a diet rich in healthy fats, fish, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables can lower epicardial fat levels in those with atrial fibrillation. Don't forget the power of avocados; a study found that women who included them in their daily meals saw a reduction in deeper visceral abdominal fat [6].
Tackling EAT: A Promise for the Future
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a non-invasive MRI technique to analyze not only the volume but also the composition of EAT, identifying dangerous amounts and predicting outcomes [7]. This breakthrough could improve our understanding of heart disease and lead to the development of new strategies for heart care.
[1] Source: Understanding Epicardial Fat - Premier Health
[2] Source: Composition of Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) - EurekAlert!
[3] Source: Differential relationship between waist circumference and mortality according to age, sex, and body mass index in Koreans with age of 30-90 years; a nationwide health insurance database study - BMC
[4] Source: Effect of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Cardiac Adipose Tissues - JAMA Network
[5] Source: Comparison of reducing epicardial fat by exercise, diet or bariatric surgery weight loss strategies: a systematic review and meta-analysis - NIH
[6] Source: PO-696-08 MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND EPICARDIAL ADIPOSE TISSUE IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION TREATED WITH ABLATION - Heart Rhythm Journal
[7] Source: The green fruit that keeps deep belly fat away - Easy Health Options
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- To maintain heart health, it's essential to manage the volume and inflammation of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), which can contribute to obesity-related cardiac dysfunction and heart disease.
- Scientific studies have suggested that a diet rich in healthful fats, fish, nuts, seeds, fresh vegetables, and avocados may potentially lower EAT levels and help reduce the risk of heart diseases.
- Advancements in science, particularly in the field of medical imaging, such as the University of Virginia Health System's non-invasive MRI technique, offer new possibilities for evaluating EAT's volume and composition, resulting in better insights into heart health and the potential development of new heart care strategies.
