Top in cardiology: Intermuscular fat linked to CV risk; COVID-19 increased syndrome cases
Researchers found an independent association between increased intermuscular fat, not BMI, and major CV events and coronary microvascular function, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal.
Among adult patients who underwent cardiac stress tests, they observed an independent association between increased intermuscular adipose tissue and reduced coronary flow and linked to increased risk for major CV events. The analysis did not demonstrate associations among subcutaneous adipose tissue, BMI and decreased coronary flow; however, researchers did report a link between increased subcutaneous adipose tissue and reduced risk for CV events.
“Compared to subcutaneous fat, fat stored in muscles may be contributing to inflammation and altered glucose metabolism leading to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome,” Viviany R. Taqueti, MD, MPH, director of the cardiac stress laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital and faculty at Harvard Medical School, said in a press release.
“In turn, these chronic insults can cause damage to blood vessels, including those that supply the heart, and the heart muscle itself.”
It was the top story in cardiology last week.
In another top story, researchers found that the prevalence of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome has increased significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting the need for screening in affected patients.
Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:
Fatty muscle a cardiovascular risk factor independent from BMI
Increased intermuscular fat, not BMI, was independently associated with coronary microvascular function and major adverse CV events, according to new data published in the European Heart Journal. Read more.
Rate of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome increased after COVID-19 pandemic
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome increased significantly, according to new data published in the European Heart Journal – Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes. Read more.
DASH, Mediterranean ranked among best diets for heart health, BP and cholesterol control
U.S. News & World Report recently released its list for the top heart-healthy diets as ranked by medical doctors, registered dietitians and nutritional epidemiologists. Read more.
ACC announces lineup of 2025 Scientific Session late-breakers
The American College of Cardiology announced the late-breaking science lineup for its Scientific Session to be held March 29-31 in Chicago and online. Read more.
The year in thrombosis, CAD: New PCI populations and DAPT strategies
Updates in new antiplatelet therapies, new patient populations for PCI and AI to guide CAD staging were among the top developments in thrombosis and coronary disease from 2024. Read more.