Do cardiac and perivascular adipose tissue play a role in atherosclerosis?

Recent evidence suggests that epicardial and perivascular adipose tissue could mechanically and functionally affect the heart and vasculature, thereby possibly playing a role in adiposity-related atherosclerosis. Experimental and clinical observations suggest both favorable and unfavorable effects of epicardial and perivascular fat. The double role of epicardial and perivascular adipose tissue in the development of cardiovascular pathology and/or in protecting the heart and arteries warrants further studies.