New research published in the European Heart Journal has shown that people who have pockets of fat inside their muscles are at greater risk of hospitalization or death due to certain types of heart disease, regardless of their body mass index.
The study included 669 patients who had no evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. About half of the patients had obesity according to their body mass indexes (BMIs). The patients underwent scans to assess the function of their hearts, and they also had their body compositions assessed using CT scans. These scans measured the amount and locations of the fat and muscle in a section of their torsos. The patients were then followed up with for a median of six years, during which cardiovascular events were monitored. Fat found inside muscles has been previously associated with inflammation and other negative health outcomes. The goal of this study was to see whether fat inside muscles is also related to cardiovascular disease and how BMI may affect outcomes.
The results showed that people with higher amounts of fat stored inside their muscles had greater damage to the small blood vessels that serve the heart. These patients were more likely to be hospitalized or die from cardiovascular disease compared with those who had lower amounts of fat in their muscles. People with more lean muscle had lower risk of heart disease, and storage of fat under the skin did not increase the risk of heart disease. These results remained true regardless of BMI.
The authors stated that fat stored in muscles may lead to inflammation and altered glucose metabolism, which could ultimately contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. These conditions can lead to damage to both blood vessels and the heart. To avoid fat storage within muscles, basic guidance includes getting regular exercise and eating a healthy, whole food-based diet.
Sources: European Heart Journal, Science Daily
