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Most of us have heard about fatty liver disease, but very few know that fat can also accumulate around the heart, which is called fatty heart. This is a silent but dangerous problem, which can increase the risk of heart failure, arrhythmia, and other life-threatening problems. In such a situation, today in this article, Dr. Anil Mishra, Cardiologist at BM Birla Heart Hospital, will learn about the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods of fatty heart- Causes of Fatty Heart Obesity: Extra fat in the body is one of the major causes of fatty heart. When fat starts accumulating around and on the surface of the heart muscles, it can cause inflammation, fibrosis, and even heart failure. It also disrupts the heart rhythm, often leading to atrial fibrillation. Studies show that fatty heart is found in about 55% of obese individuals, but it can also affect about 10% of lean individuals. Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes leads to metabolic disorders, which lead to increased accumulation of fat in and around the heart. High cholesterol: Elevated levels of "bad" cholesterol can cause fat to accumulate in the heart muscle and arteries, increasing the risk of angina, heart attack, and fatty heart. Excessive alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol damages both the liver and the heart, leading to the accumulation of fat in the heart muscle. Inactive lifestyle: Lack of physical activity prevents calorie expenditure, leading to the accumulation of fat in the body and around the heart. Genetic causes: A family history of heart disease can predispose individuals to fatty heart disease. Symptoms of fatty heart In the early stages, fatty heart may not cause any specific symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, its symptoms may include: Constant fatigue and weakness due to poor pumping of the heart. Chest pain or heaviness due to the pressure of fat on the heart. Shortness of breath even after light activity like climbing stairs. Irregular or abnormally fast heartbeat. Swelling in the legs or abdomen which is a sign of poor heart functioning. Difficulty breathing while lying down at night. How to prevent it Doctors say that fatty heart is a serious health problem, but it can be controlled and prevented with the right lifestyle and timely medical care. If you or someone you know is already suffering from fatty liver, it is very important to be careful, as the risk factors are the same in both conditions. Therefore, you can adopt some easy ways to protect your heart- Stay physically active with regular exercise. Follow a balanced, heart healthy diet. Keep diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Limit or avoid alcohol. PC Social media