Epicardial adipose tissue volume stratifies atrial fibrillation subtypes in reduced ejection fraction heart failure: a CT-based predictor

Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is involved in atrial fibrillation (AF) pathogenesis. Its specific role in stratifying AF subtypes among patients who also have reduced ejection fraction heart failure is not well defined. Objective: We aimed to compare EAT volume between AF patients with and without reduced ejection fraction heart failure, and to assess its link with AF subtypes. Methods: = 134). Cardiac computed tomography (CT) was used to quantify EAT volume. Results: = 0.28). Conclusion: In patients with heart failure, increased epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume is linked to the progression from paroxysmal to persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Measuring EAT volume may therefore serve as a useful imaging biomarker to identify those at higher risk of AF progression, which could help guide more personalized management.