People with pockets of fat hidden within their muscles have a higher risk of dying from heart-related health problems, researchers reported in a study published Jan. 20 in the European Heart Journal.

Most people know that body fat stored around the midsection can spell disaster for cardiovascular health. But Harvard researchers have now discovered another problematic fat-storage location in the body that's been largely overlooked.

New research published in the "European Heart Journal" indicates that individuals with higher levels of hidden fat in their muscles are more likely to be hospitalised or die due to heart attacks and heart failure.

People with hidden pockets of fat in their muscles – similar to so-called marbling in beef – are at a higher risk of dying from heart attacks or heart failure regardless of their body weight, according to a study.