A study conducted by researchers at Imperial College London has discovered a link between chronic low-grade inflammation and gradual changes in heart structure, as well as an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The research team analyzed a wide range of environmental, social, and genetic factors that may influence inflammation levels within the body. The study examined data from nearly half a million individuals, including heart images, blood measurements related to inflammation, genetic information, and data on 169 environmental and social factors.
Chronic low-grade inflammation occurs when the immune system remains active for extended periods without an apparent infection or injury requiring this response. Several factors contribute to this type of inflammation, including continuous psychological stress, lifestyle, smoking, lack of physical activity, diet, and certain socioeconomic conditions. The researchers analyzed data from 488,079 individuals in a UK research database, which included heart images, inflammation measurements in the blood, genetic information, and data on 169 environmental and social factors such as smoking, physical activity, diet, sleep, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, financial stress, and air pollution.
The study's findings revealed that higher inflammation levels were associated with smaller heart chambers and thicker walls, as well as reduced blood volume pumped by the heart with each beat. Researchers believe these changes may be early signs preceding heart failure, although the results do not imply that inflammation alone directly causes these issues. The data also showed that individuals with the highest inflammation levels were more susceptible to major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes.
During the follow-up period, approximately 15% of participants in the group with the highest inflammation levels experienced a major cardiovascular event, compared to around 11% among those with lower levels, representing a 43% increase. The study also found a correlation between elevated inflammation markers and socioeconomic deprivation and psychological distress. The data suggested that genetic factors may play a role in individuals' susceptibility to potential damage associated with inflammation.
According to Declan O'Regan, a cardiovascular researcher at Imperial College London, the findings indicate that a large number of people may have underlying inflammation linked to gradual heart changes. The researchers hope that these results will help develop future blood tests combining inflammation markers and genetic information to identify individuals at higher risk of heart problems at an early stage.
While some influencing factors, such as economic and psychological stress, are difficult to change quickly, researchers emphasize the importance of reducing known risk factors like smoking and obesity, and improving diet and regular physical activity. The study is limited to observing correlations and does not establish a direct causal relationship between stress or inflammation and heart damage.
The study's results may lead to further research into the interplay of these factors and their long-term impact on heart health. By understanding the connections between inflammation, lifestyle, and socioeconomic conditions, researchers may be able to develop targeted interventions to mitigate the risks associated with silent inflammation and promote overall cardiovascular well-being.
Key points
- The study found a correlation between chronic low-grade inflammation and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to changes in heart structure, including smaller heart chambers and thicker walls.
- Reducing known risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, and improving diet and physical activity may help mitigate the risks associated with silent inflammation.
