Belly Fat, Inflammation Linked to Heart Failure
Analysis based on 8 articles · First reported Mar 17, 2026 · Last updated Mar 22, 2026
The findings suggest a shift in medical assessment from BMI to waist measurements, potentially increasing demand for diagnostic tools and preventive care related to central obesity and inflammation. This could also influence pharmaceutical research into anti-inflammatory treatments for heart disease.
New research presented at the American Heart Association's EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026 in United States===Boston indicates that fat stored around the waist (visceral fat) is a stronger predictor of heart failure risk than overall body weight, as measured by BMI. The study, led by Szu-Han Chen from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, found that inflammation accounts for a significant portion of this link. Higher waist measurements were associated with increased heart failure risk, even in individuals with a normal BMI. Experts like Sadiya S. Khan from Northwestern University suggest these findings could lead to changes in how doctors assess heart health, emphasizing waist circumference and inflammation monitoring for earlier identification and prevention of heart failure. The research utilized data from the Jackson Heart Study, involving African American adults in United States===Mississippi.
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