Heart Function Hampered by Fatty Deposits

Deposits of fat in several locations in the body, such as around the heart and in the liver can hamper proper functioning of the heart, according to researchers from Boston.

The study also found that measuring a person's body mass index (BMI) does not reliably predict the amount of undesired fat in and around these vital organs.

Fat Mothers-to-be Banned from UK Hospital!
A hospital in the UK has banned fat women from giving birth at its maternity ward.

Earlier studies found that fat accumulation in the liver and around the heart are linked to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

BUSM researchers compared fat volumes in obese persons (BMI over 30), all of whom had high blood pressure and/or diabetes, and lean healthy persons (average BMI of 22).

All subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton MR spectroscopy to quantify pericardial and peri-aortic lipid volumes, cardiac function, aortic compliance and intra-hepatic lipid content.

One In Four Breast Cancers �Not Fatal�, Says Study
A new study in Australia has suggested that almost one in four invasive breast cancers in women of ages between 50 to 69 years is not fatal.

Fasting plasma lipoproteins, glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids were also measured among the subjects.

The researchers found fat collections in anatomically separate locations, such as within the liver and around the heart, to be associated to cardiovascular function - including a decrease in cardiac pumping function - as fat around the heart increased.

Dieters on Low-Fat Diets Have Better Moods
A new study suggests that eating low-fat food will put dieters in a better mood.

However, they also found that the amount of fat around the heart and aorta was not predicted by the BMI of the individual in this population.

"Our study found that fat collection around the heart, the aorta and within the liver is clearly associated with decreased heart functions and that an MRI can quickly and noninvasively measure fat volume in these areas. Our study also found that looking at BMI of the individual does not reliably predict the amount of undesired fat in and around organs," said James Hamilton, PhD, senior author and project leader, and a professor of biophysics, physiology and biomedical engineering at BUSM.

Scientists Identify Potential Therapeutic Target for Curbing Inflammation in Fat People
A potential therapeutic target for curbing inflammation in obese people has been identified byresearchers from University of California, San Diego.

The researchers said that this method of measuring cardiac function and fat depots can be done in less than one hour, and may provide a basis for future individualized treatment.

The study has been published in Obesity.

Source-ANI
SAV