Advances in research of epicardial adipose tissue and diastolic heart failure

Background Epicardial adipose tissue(EAT) is a unique visceral adipose tissue that is located between the myocardium and the visceral layer of the pericardium. Physiologically, EAT can produce heat and protect the heart. Under pathological conditions, EAT is involved in the development of diastolic heart failure(DHF) by secreting a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines. More and more studies have shown that EAT plays an important role in the inflammatory mechanism and myocardial remodeling of DHF. Exercise, weight loss and drug therapy can significantly reduce the thickness/volume of EAT and its functional disorder. In recent years, research on EAT and DHF has made new progress. This article reviewed the mechanism and treatment of EAT in the development of DHF.[S Chin J Cardiol 2020;21(4):285-291]