Excess Visceral Fat Linked to Accelerated Heart Aging

Recent research has established a connection between excessive visceral fat--fat stored around vital organs--and accelerated aging of the heart. This finding sheds light on one of the factors contributing to heart disease, which is the leading cause of mortality globally.

While aging is recognized as the primary risk factor for heart disease, the mechanisms behind why some individuals age more rapidly than others remain unclear. The study, led by scientists at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences in London, highlights the significant role of visceral body fat in hastening heart and vascular aging.

Published in the European Heart Journal, the research analyzed data from over 21,000 participants in the UK Biobank, an extensive database that includes comprehensive imaging to evaluate fat distribution throughout the body. The study utilized artificial intelligence to analyze heart and blood vessel images, revealing signs of aging such as tissue stiffness and inflammation. Participants were assigned a 'heart age' based on these findings, allowing comparisons with their chronological age.

The results indicated that individuals with higher amounts of visceral adipose tissue, which is located deep within the abdomen and surrounds organs like the stomach and liver, exhibited faster heart aging. Notably, this type of fat is not visible externally, meaning a person can have significant visceral fat while maintaining a healthy overall weight.

Additionally, the study revealed that visceral fat is associated with heightened inflammation levels in the body, which could contribute to premature aging. The researchers also identified differences between genders in fat distribution and its effects on heart aging. In men, the accumulation of fat around the abdomen, often referred to as 'apple-shaped' body type, was linked to earlier heart aging. Conversely, the presence of fat in the hips and thighs, characteristic of a 'pear-shaped' body type, appeared to have a protective effect against heart aging in women.

Furthermore, higher estrogen levels in premenopausal women were correlated with slower heart aging, suggesting that hormonal factors may play a role in this protective effect. The lead researcher emphasized the importance of understanding the implications of different fat distribution patterns on health outcomes, noting that traditional measures like Body Mass Index (BMI) may not accurately predict heart health. Instead, it is crucial to consider where fat is stored in the body.

The overarching goal of this research is to identify strategies that can enhance healthy longevity. While physical activity is acknowledged as beneficial, the findings indicate that hidden visceral fat can still pose risks, even in physically active individuals. Future investigations may explore how pharmacological treatments, such as GLP-1 inhibitors, could effectively address both obesity and the aging impacts of visceral fat.

Experts from the British Heart Foundation have reiterated that excess visceral fat around crucial organs like the heart and liver can lead to increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels, raising concerns about its role in promoting heart aging. They recommend adopting healthier dietary habits and increasing physical activity to mitigate visceral fat accumulation.