Going into detail on what this term means and how it relates to health guidelines. This article may be incomplete.
Epicardial Fat Pad refers to the presence of adipose (fat) tissue located on the surface of the heart, specifically on the outer layer known as the epicardium. It serves both structural and metabolic functions, including providing cushioning to protect the heart and releasing hormones and inflammatory mediators that can impact cardiac health.
While usually considered benign and often an incidental finding during medical imaging, epicardial fat can play a role in various cardiovascular diseases. Research indicates that excess epicardial fat is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and heart failure. This is due to the fat's proximity to the coronary arteries and its potential to release harmful substances that promote inflammation and atherosclerosis.
In some individuals, particularly those with obesity or metabolic disorders, epicardial fat may become inflamed and contribute to the development of a condition known as epicardial adipose tissue inflammation. This inflammatory state has been linked to the progression of atherosclerosis and adverse cardiovascular events. Therefore, monitoring epicardial fat thickness and characteristics may offer insights into an individual's cardiovascular risk profile and help guide preventive strategies to protect heart health.