Persistent low-grade
inflammation in the body may appear to be a silent problem, but a new study has
found that it may be associated with changes in the structure and function of
the heart, as well as an increased risk of serious conditions such as heart
attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Experts say inflammation does not occur
only in response to an injury or infection. In some people, it can remain at
low levels for long periods. Such chronic inflammation may be associated with
several factors, including obesity, smoking, psychological stress, low levels
of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet. However, experts also emphasize
that elevated levels of inflammation should not be considered a definitive
diagnosis of heart disease. Further research is needed to better understand the
relationship between inflammation and its effects on cardiovascular health.
A recent study published in
the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology analyzed medical data
from nearly half a million people. Researchers assessed long-term inflammation
in the body by examining levels of a blood biomarker known as glycoprotein
acetyls, or GlycA. They also sought to determine how lifestyle, environmental
factors, and genetic characteristics might influence the relationship between
inflammation and heart health. The study examined GlycA levels in more than
488,000 participants. The findings showed that people with higher levels of the
biomarker were more likely to have certain changes in the structure of the
heart’s left ventricle, the chamber responsible for pumping blood throughout
the body. These individuals were more likely to have a relatively smaller left
ventricular volume, thicker ventricular walls, and reduced diastolic function,
which refers to the heart’s ability to fill with blood.
The study also examined the
relationship between higher levels of inflammation and the overall risk of
serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart
failure. According to the findings, people with the highest GlycA levels had about
a 43 percent higher risk of major cardiovascular complications compared with
those with the lowest levels. However, experts say this does not mean that
inflammation directly causes heart attacks or strokes. The study primarily
identified an association between the two. Experts suggest that GlycA could
potentially be considered an additional biomarker for assessing future
cardiovascular risk, but it should not be used on its own to diagnose or
determine treatment for any disease.
The study also identified
several factors associated with higher levels of inflammation in the body.
These included excess fat around the abdomen and torso, smoking, psychological
stress, and lower socioeconomic conditions. In particular, excess fat
accumulated around the middle of the body is considered more than just a
cosmetic issue. According to experts, visceral fat inside the abdomen can
affect the body’s hormones and metabolism and may contribute to inflammatory
processes. Similarly, smoking can damage blood vessels while also increasing
inflammation in the body. Persistent psychological stress can affect sleep,
physical activity, diet, and other healthy habits. Another important finding of
the study was that higher levels of physical activity and a relatively
healthier diet were associated with lower GlycA levels in the body. Experts say
regular physical activity, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and
avoiding smoking are already considered beneficial for heart health. A
nutritious diet with fewer processed foods, adequate physical activity, and
reducing excess abdominal fat may also help maintain healthy blood sugar levels
and other metabolic factors, which could reduce overall cardiovascular risks.
However, experts emphasize that simply lowering one inflammatory biomarker does
not guarantee protection against heart disease. Other factors, including blood
pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, smoking status, and overall medical
history, also need to be taken into account.
Researchers also sought to
determine whether genetic characteristics influence the relationship between
inflammation and cardiovascular disease. The findings suggested that genetic
characteristics may affect the extent to which some people develop inflammation
in response to factors such as abdominal fat, smoking, diet, psychological
stress, or low physical activity. This means that heart health is not
determined solely by genetics or lifestyle. Both can interact with each other
and influence cardiovascular risk. Experts say it is not always possible to
eliminate all causes of chronic inflammation in the body, but there are several
factors that people can address themselves. Regular walking or exercise, a
balanced diet with fewer processed foods, maintaining a healthy weight,
avoiding smoking, getting better sleep, managing stress, and keeping blood
pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar under control are important steps for
overall heart health. Overall, the study suggests that there may be an
important relationship between persistent inflammation in the body and
cardiovascular health. However, rather than viewing an elevated level of a
single inflammatory biomarker as a disease in itself, experts say it is more
appropriate to consider it as one part of the broader picture of cardiovascular
risk.