A new study conducted by Harvard Medical School has revealed that thin people have a higher risk of having a fatal heart attack. According to researchers, this may be due to pockets of fat hidden in their muscles.

Scientists have compared this type of intramuscular fat to the marbling in beef, which makes it juicy and delicious. Even though Wagyu beef, these luxury cuts, are the most sought after in humans, it can have serious health consequences.

The researchers also said that women with this type of fat have a higher risk of dying from a heart attack or heart failure, regardless of their body mass index. In fact, every one percent increase in volume Fat stored in muscles increases risk 7 percent increase in serious heart conditions.

The study said that those who have more lean muscles have less risk. However, researchers said that any type of fat stored under the skin does not increase the risk of any fatal heart disease. Fat stored under the skin does not increase the risk of heart attack.

How was the study conducted?

According to the research, more than 650 people – both men and women – were evaluated at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital for chest pain and shortness of breath, but found no evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease, a type of Condition where the arteries supplying the heart become blocked. The group were given scans to assess their heart function, with researchers using CT scans to analyze body composition and measure the amount and location of fat and muscle in parts of their torsos.

“Intermuscular fat can be found in most muscles in the body, but the amount of fat varies widely between different people,” said Professor Vivian Tacqueti, director of the Cardiac Stress Laboratory at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. Might be possible.” School.

“In our research, we analyze muscle and different types of fat to understand how body composition can affect the heart’s small blood vessels, or ‘microcirculation’, as well as future heart failure, heart There may be a risk of stroke and even death,” he said. ,

Why does excess fat in skinny people cause heart problems?

People who have large amounts of fat stored in their muscles are more likely to coronary microvascular dysfunctionA condition that affects the small blood vessels in the heart.

Researchers say that for every 1 percent increase in fatty muscle fraction, the risk of CMD increases by 2 percent and the risk of future serious heart disease increases by 7 percent. Experts also said that as opposed to subcutaneous fat — or fat stored under the skin — fat stored in the muscles may contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance.

Weight loss drugs can trigger the effect

The study findings, published in European Heart Journalsaid this may be “particularly important” for ongoing studies looking at the effects of weight-loss drugs on heart health. Researchers suggest that it may be possible that the loss of lean muscle resulting from these drugs may also lead to the loss of fat hidden in the muscle.

The scientists said metrics to define the extent of obesity and intervention, particularly in women, remain a controversial and flawed marker of cardiovascular prognosis, with a higher body mass index reflecting more ‘benign’ types of fat. Can do.

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