Abstract Background: Although electrical and structural remodeling has been recognized to be important in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation, the mechanisms underlying remodeling process are unknown. There has been increasing interest in the involvement of inflammatory molecules and adipokines released from the epicardial fat tissue in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. Objectives: In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of atrial fibrillation with increased epicardial adipose tissue, inflammatory molecules released from this tissue and omentin. Methods: Thirty-six patients […]

This issue of the International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences presents a paper by Castanheira et al. that addresses epicardial fat (EF) thickness in an elderly Portuguese population. They describe the mean values of EF thickness and its correlation with anthropometric, echocardiographic, and clinical variables in these individuals. EF is the visceral adipose tissue located between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium, and commonly found in the atrioventricular and interventricular grooves. EF has several physiological roles, including local effects on the […]