Excessive fat around heart can indicate co-morbidities
‘The presence of this fat isn’t always a bad thing.’ Himad Khattak, MD Premier Physicians Network
Fat plays an integral role in the function of the body by storing energy, providing insulation and protecting vital organs, according to the National Institutes of Health.
But too much of a good thing can be bad, especially when it comes to the amount of fat surrounding a person’s heart. Fat that is found around the heart muscle is called either pericardial or epicardial fat, depending on its location around the organ.
Patients who undergo an echocardiogram to evaluate possible cardiovascular issues may be told that a larger than normal amount of epicardial or pericardial fat has been found around their heart. Fat around the heart is useful in protecting the vital organ but can turn into something harmful in excess. “The presence of this fat isn’t always a bad thing,” said Himad Khattak, MD, with Middletown Cardiology Associates. “It often gives mechanical protection to the coronary arteries, serves as a regulator of vascular flow and acts as an immune barrier by protecting myocardial arteries from inflammatory substances.”
However, studies have shown that the presence of more than 5 millimeters of fat outside the heart can be harmful to the organ’s ability to properly function, Dr. Khattak said.
“We cannot say all fat is bad, but if someone becomes obese, then the problem starts. It’s the same thing when it comes to fat around the heart muscle. If it’s in excess, then it probably has associations with some of the diseases that are not good for the body,” said Dr. Khattak, who practices with Premier Physician Network.
An overabundance of fat around the heart is usually accompanied by other diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome, according to the NIH. Studies have also shown that epicardial or pericardial fat may also play a role in atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the heart’s rhythm becomes very rapid or out of sync.
Pericardial or epicardial fat isn’t a health condition physicians look for on its own. It’s usually discovered when someone undergoes an echocardiogram to evaluate another cardiac condition. The amount of fat around the heart will show up on that test and be noted in a patient’s results.
“Rather than focus on the fact that they have above normal fat around their heart, I would address the issues or diseases that are present along with that,” Dr. Khattak said. “They may have an increased BMI, heart failure, A Fib or some other type of cardiovascular disease. The goal would be to treat those issues with medication and lifestyle modifications, knowing that when those are addressed, the epicardial or pericardial fat will likely decrease too.”
Dr. Khattak said it’s good to know if an excessive amount of fat is present around the heart, but ultimately, individuals should focus first on their overall health by managing disease that affect the heart. A healthful diet low in saturated fats, regular exercise and healthy habits that do not include excessive alcohol consumption or smoking is what will lead to long-term heart health.
For more information about epicardial or pericardial fat, or to schedule an appointment with a Premier Physician Network provider near you, visit PremierHealth.com/MakeAnAppointment.
Premier Physician Network is the largest group of primary and specialty care practices in the Dayton region with more than 800 physicians and advanced practice providers. Premier Physician Network is part of Premier Health, which includes Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, as well as inpatient campuses at Miami Valley Hospital South in Centerville and Miami Valley Hospital North in Englewood; Atrium Medical Center in Middletown; and Upper Valley Medical Center in Miami County.