A recent Michigan State University study revealed that fat around our arteries plays an important role in keeping blood vessels healthy. This surprising finding may lead to new treatments for plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis) - which is usually a precursor to a heart attack. This fat known as perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) helps arteries release muscular tension while under stress. Researchers have always assumed that PVAT’s primarily job is to store lipids and nothing else. The new study suggested recognising PVAT as a fourth layer. Blood vessels are currently divided into three sections; the inner most layer (tunica intima)
