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

  • Arrhythmias (J. Bunch, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Obesity 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 Findings

Recently, 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.

Summary

In 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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi, Kami-cho, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan

    Yasuo Okumura

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  1. Yasuo Okumura
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Correspondence to Yasuo Okumura.

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Dr. Okumura declares no conflicts of interests.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Arrhythmias

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Okumura, Y. Cardiac Arrhythmia Due to Epicardial Fat: Is It a Modifiable Risk?. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep 11, 23 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-017-0547-4

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