Abstract:Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is located between myocardium and pericardial visceral layer and is closely related to myocardium and coronary artery. In physiological state, EAT has a series of functions such as mechanical protection, heat production, secretion and metabolism. However, in pathological state, EAT can stimulate inflammatory response and oxidative stress response and secrete high levels of pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative fat factors. Finally, it becomes the active source of pro-oxidants and pro-inflammatory mediators in vascular diseases. This change is closely related to coronary atherosclerosis. In recent years, with the deepening of EAT research, a large number of literatures have confirmed that EAT is closely related to the development of disease. Including coronary heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes, non-alcoholic liver disease, stroke, etc. This article will focus on the relationship between EAT and coronary heart disease, through the physiological characteristics and pathological changes of EAT, the common clinical imaging measurement methods, discuss the relationship between EAT and coronary heart disease, and the possible treatment direction of EAT.