Thoracic adipose tissue density as a novel marker of increased cardiovascular risk

Thoracic adipose tissues belong to the visceral adipose tissues, surrounding the heart and coronary arteries. They are metabolically and inflammatory active and secret pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines [1,2]. The amount of total thoracic fat, epicardial as well as pericoronary fat is associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, extent and progression of coronary atherosclerosis, and hard coronary events [3 –5]. There is emerging evidence that thoracic visceral adipose tissues may locally promote the development of atherosclerosis in the underlying coronary artery [5,6].
Source: Atherosclerosis - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research