Cardiac Arrhythmia Due to Epicardial Fat: Is It a Modifiable Risk?

AbstractPurpose of ReviewObesity and metabolic syndrome are one of the modifiable determinants for the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation (AF). A strong association between visceral fat and obesity or metabolic syndrome has been established.Recent FindingsRecently, much clinical interest has been focused on epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), as visceral fat and cardiac arrhythmias, especially in AF. Increasing data suggests that EAT is associated with the incidence and severity of AF. Several experimental studies have shown that EAT exerts biochemical effects on the cardiovascular system, including insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, hypertension, arterial stiffness, an impaired coronary flow reserve, and a high rate of free fatty acid uptake, beta-adrenergic activity, and local and systemic inflammation. Due to multiple factors associated with AF and EAT, the exact underlying mechanism remains unknown. In addition, the association between EAT and ventricular tachyarrhythmias remains unclear.SummaryIn the present paper, we reviewed the role that EAT plays in the pathogenesis of cardiac arrhythmias such as AF and ventricular tachyarrhythmias and explored whether EAT could be a modifiable risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias.
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research