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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Julia Musto

Researchers say ‘bad’ fat accelerates ageing of the heart

  • Research indicates that hidden ‘bad’ fat surrounding organs like the stomach, liver, and intestines is associated with increased inflammation, which can accelerate heart ageing.
  • This premature heart ageing elevates the risk of heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and other serious cardiac events.
  • A study utilising AI to analyse heart scans from over 21,000 individuals in the U.K. Biobank revealed sex-specific differences in heart ageing.
  • While belly fat was linked to early heart ageing in men, it had the opposite effect in women. There were also ties between higher oestrogen levels and a slowdown of heart aging.
  • Experts advise that adopting a healthier diet and increasing physical activity can help reduce levels of this visceral fat, even in individuals who maintain a healthy external weight.

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