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Accumulation of Pericardial Fat Is Associated With Alterations in Heart Rate Variability Patterns in
Domingo E Uceda1, Xiang-Yang Zhu1, John R Woollard1
1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension (D.E.U., X.-Y.Z., J.R.W., C.M.F., I.P., L.O.L.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Circulation. Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology
|March 20, 2020
Summary
Progressive pericardial fat accumulation and inflammation in pigs led to reduced heart rate variability (HRV), indicating autonomic nervous system imbalance. This suggests increased pericardial fat negatively impacts cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
- Metabolic Disease Research
Background:
- Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic cardiac modulation.
- Increased pericardial fat is linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- Pericardial fat accumulation may negatively impact HRV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between increasing pericardial fat volume, inflammation, and HRV in hypercholesterolemic pigs.
- To determine if pericardial fat accumulation prospectively dampens HRV.
Main Methods:
- Hypercholesterolemic Ossabaw mini-pigs (WT and PCSK9 gain-of-function) were fed normal or high-fat diets (HFD) for 6 months.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) indices were analyzed from arterial pulse waveforms.
- Pericardial fat volume, inflammation (TNF-α), lipid profiles, and norepinephrine levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Hypercholesterolemic pigs on HFD showed significantly depressed HRV and increased sympathovagal balance.
- Pericardial fat volume and LDL cholesterol correlated inversely with HRV and directly with sympathovagal balance.
- Pericardial fat TNF-α expression was upregulated, correlating with reduced HRV indices.
Conclusions:
- Progressive pericardial fat expansion and inflammation are associated with decreased HRV in pigs.
- These findings imply aggravated autonomic imbalance due to pericardial fat.
- Pericardial fat accumulation is linked to alterations in HRV and autonomic nervous system function.
