Ectopic Fat and Cardiac Health in People with HIV: Serious as a Heart Attack

Abstract

Purpose of review: This study aims to summarize knowledge of alterations in adipose tissue distribution among people with HIV (PWH), with a focus on the cardiac depot and how this relates to the known higher risk of cardiovascular disease in this unique population.

Recent findings: Similar to the general population, cardiac fat depots mirror visceral adipose tissue in PWH. However, altered fat distribution, altered fat quality, and higher prevalence of enlarged epicardial adipose tissue depots are associated with increased coronary artery disease among PWH. Adipose tissue disturbances present in PWH ultimately contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease beyond traditional risk factors. Future research should aim to understand how regulating adipose tissue quantity and quality can modify cardiovascular risk.

Keywords: Cardiac fat depot; Ectopic fat; Epicardial adipose tissue; HIV.