Epicardial fat pad refers to adipose tissue located between the visceral pericardium and the myocardium, predominantly found around the right ventricle and along the major coronary arteries. In cardiac ultrasound, it appears as an echogenic (bright) layer surrounding the heart. Its presence and thickness can be evaluated to assess cardiovascular risk.
Understanding epicardial fat in medical ultrasound is crucial for diagnosing various cardiac conditions. Research suggests that increased epicardial fat thickness is associated with coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and metabolic syndrome, making its assessment a valuable tool in comprehensive cardiac evaluations.
