Higher heart fat levels after a heart attack correlate with greater heart damage, according to a 2025 study.

A 2025 study presented at EACVI found that higher levels of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), measured by cardiac MRI within 10 days of a heart attack, are linked to more extensive heart muscle damage in 1,168 patients. Those with the most EAT were older, had higher BMI, and showed larger infarct sizes, though no differences in heart pumping function were observed. Lower microvascular obstruction was noted in this group. Researchers suggest EAT may worsen outcomes through inflammation and physical pressure on the heart, and say measuring EAT could improve risk assessment beyond traditional factors. Experts recommend further study on whether targeting EAT could prevent serious complications.