Epicardial adipose tissue as a mediator of cardiac arrhythmias
Author(s)
Patel, Kiran
Hwang, Taesoon
Se Liebers, Curtis
Ng, Fu Siong
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Obesity is associated with higher risks of cardiac arrhythmias. Although this may be partly explained by concurrent cardiometabolic ill-health, growing evidence suggests that increasing adiposity independently confers risk for arrhythmias. Amongst fat depots, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) exhibits a proinflammatory secretome, and given the lack of fascial separation, has been implicated as a transducer of inflammation to the underlying myocardium. The present review explores the mechanisms underpinning adverse electrophysiological remodelling as a consequence of EAT accumulation and the consequent inflammation. We first describe the physiological and pathophysiological function of EAT and its unique secretome, and subsequently discuss the evidence for ionic channel and connexin expression modulation as well as fibrotic remodelling induced by cytokines and free fatty acids that are secreted by EAT. Finally, we highlight how weight reduction and regression of EAT volume may cause reverse remodelling to ameliorate arrhythmic risk.
Date Issued
2021-12-10
Date Acceptance
2021-12-03
Citation
American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 2021, 322 (2)
ISSN
0363-6135
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Journal / Book Title
American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Volume
322
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2022 The Authors
License URL
Sponsor
British Heart Foundation
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Identifier
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpheart.00565.2021
Grant Number
RG/16/3/32175
N/A
Subjects
arrhythmia
epicardial adipose tissue
inflammation
obesity
0606 Physiology
1116 Medical Physiology
Cardiovascular System & Hematology
Publication Status
Published online
Date Publish Online
2021-12-10