Epicardial fat thickness is associated with aortic intima‐media thickness in patients without clinical manifestation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Epicardial fat thickness is independently related to the extent of subclinical thoracic aortic atherosclerosis. Increase in EFTh may be crucial marker for initial atherosclerosis.

Epicardial adipose tissue is a predictor of ascending aortic dilatation in hypertensive patients, but not paracardial adipose tissue

“…In recent years, there is a growing interest towards the effects of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) on hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors. EAT is a visceral adipose tissue found between the pericardium and the myocardium [7]. It is generally placed in the atrioventricular and interventricular groove throughout the coronary arteries.…”

Correlation between epicardial fat thickness and aortic valve sclerosis

“…Epicardial fat is a true visceral fat deposit found between the heart and the pericardium. 1 It is usually located in the atrioventricular and interventricular grooves of the heart, and its pathophysiological properties are similar to those of other visceral fat deposits. No muscle fascia is found between epicardial fat and the myocardium, which is characterized by similar microcirculation.…”

Correlation between epicardial fat thickness with intima–media thickness and ankle–brachial index in patients with metabolic syndrome

“…12 Our results are similar to those of Yi et al, who found that patients with ectopic liver fat accumulation have higher CIMT and increased risk of atherosclerosis; 13 moreover, with those of Acele et al, who found an association between EFT and thoracic aortic intima-media thickness. 14 However, none of those trials determined ABI. The relation of EFT with CIMT may be explained by the effect of the pro-atherogenic and inflammatory mediators produced by the epicardial fat tissue and their influence in the progression of vascular damage.…”