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Fat Collection Throughout Specific Locations
In The Body Is Associated With Decreased
Heart Function
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have shown
that fat collection in different body locations, especially around the heart and the
aorta and within the liver, are associated with certain decreased heart functions.
The new study is published online in Obesity. The study also found that measuring
a person's body mass index (BMI) does not reliably predict the amount of undesired
fat in and around these vital organs.
The prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly in the United States. Recent estimates
suggest that approximately 30 percent of the adult population meets this criterion.
Past studies have shown that fat accumulation in the liver and around the heart are
linked to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Boston University School of Medicine researchers compared fat volumes in obese
persons (Body Mass Index over 30), all of whom had high blood pressure and/or
diabetes, and lean healthy persons (average BMI of 22). All subjects underwent
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton MR spectroscopy to precisely quantify
pericardial and peri-aortic lipid volumes, cardiac function, aortic compliance and intra-
hepatic lipid content. Fasting plasma lipoproteins, glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids
were also measured among the subjects.
The researchers found fat collections in anatomically separate locations, such as within
the liver and around the heart, to be associated to cardiovascular function, including a
decrease in cardiac pumping function as fat around the heart increased. However, they
also found that the amount of fat around the heart and aorta was not predicted by the
BMI of the individual in this population.
"Our study found that fat collection around the heart, the aorta and within the liver is
clearly associated with decreased heart functions and that an MRI can quickly and
non-invasively measure fat volume in these areas. Our study also found that looking
at BMI of the individual does not reliably predict the amount of undesired fat in and
around organs" according to the researchers.
This method of measuring cardiac function and fat depots can be done in less than
one hour, and may provide a foundation for future individualized treatment. With over
half a million new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed every year, and the cancer
directly causing over 200,000 deaths, potential preventive measures are highly
desirable.
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