Study Links Intermuscular Fat to Elevated Cardiovascular Risk
Research indicates hidden muscle fat increases heart disease risk, independent of BMI
Recent research published in the European Heart Journal has identified a significant association between intermuscular fat—fat stored within and around muscles—and an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack and heart failure.
This correlation persists regardless of an individual's body mass index (BMI).
The study analyzed 669 patients undergoing evaluation for coronary artery disease at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
Participants had a median age of 63 years; 70% were female, and 46% were non-white.
Over a median follow-up period of six years, researchers observed that higher levels of intermuscular fat were linked to coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and a greater likelihood of major adverse cardiovascular events.
Intermuscular fat, also known as intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), is fat located between muscle fibers.
While its impact on human health has been less understood, this study suggests that increased IMAT may contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance, factors known to damage the small blood vessels of the heart.
The findings highlight limitations in using BMI as a sole indicator of cardiovascular risk, suggesting that assessments of body composition, including measurements of muscle fat, may provide additional insights into an individual's heart disease risk.
This correlation persists regardless of an individual's body mass index (BMI).
The study analyzed 669 patients undergoing evaluation for coronary artery disease at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
Participants had a median age of 63 years; 70% were female, and 46% were non-white.
Over a median follow-up period of six years, researchers observed that higher levels of intermuscular fat were linked to coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and a greater likelihood of major adverse cardiovascular events.
Intermuscular fat, also known as intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), is fat located between muscle fibers.
While its impact on human health has been less understood, this study suggests that increased IMAT may contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance, factors known to damage the small blood vessels of the heart.
The findings highlight limitations in using BMI as a sole indicator of cardiovascular risk, suggesting that assessments of body composition, including measurements of muscle fat, may provide additional insights into an individual's heart disease risk.
