Hidden Muscle Fat Linked to Increased Heart Disease Risk

New research reveals that fat stored within muscles, regardless of body weight, raises the risk of heart attacks and heart failure.

A Harvard-led study published in the European Heart Journal found that intermuscular fat significantly increases the risk of heart disease, independent of body mass index (BMI).
For every 1% increase in muscle fat, there is a 7% higher risk of heart disease and a 2% increase in coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD).
Fat within muscles is linked to inflammation and altered glucose metabolism, which can damage blood vessels and contribute to metabolic syndrome.
Exercise, particularly power-focused training like explosive movements and fast weightlifting, can help reduce fatty deposits in muscles and improve overall health outcomes.
Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to evaluate how treatments, including exercise and weight-loss therapies, impact muscle fat and heart health.