A shocking new study has uncovered a surprising link between hidden pockets of fat in our muscles and an increased risk of dying from heart attacks or heart failure, regardless of body weight.
Fatty marbling link to heart disease
Researchers at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston have discovered that individuals with “fatty marbling” – similar to the prized marbling found in high-quality beef – are more likely to develop coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), a condition that affects the tiny blood vessels in the heart. This can lead to serious heart disease, hospitalization, and even death.
The study, which involved analyzing scans of 669 people who were being evaluated for chest pain or shortness of breath, found that those with higher amounts of fat stored in their muscles were more likely to have CMD and experience severe heart problems. In fact, for every 1% increase in fatty muscle fraction – a measure of the ratio of intermuscular fat to total muscle plus fat – there was a 2% increased risk of CMD and a 7% increase in the risk of serious heart disease.
Dangers of intermuscular fat
But what exactly is intermuscular fat? Simply put, it’s the fat that accumulates within our muscles. While this type of fat has long been prized in livestock for its tenderness and flavor, researchers are now warning that it can have deadly consequences for humans.
The study’s findings may seem surprising, but they’re not entirely unexpected. Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes – conditions often linked to excessive body fat – have long been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. But this new research takes a closer look at the specific link between fatty muscles and heart problems.
Further reasearch needed
So what can we do to reduce our risk? Unfortunately, the answer is not yet clear. While weight loss drugs may offer some protection, more research is needed to understand how to target intermuscular fat specifically.
For now, the message from researchers is clear: even if you’re slimming down, your body composition may still be a ticking time bomb for heart disease.
