Hidden Inflammation in the Body May Harm Heart Health, Study

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.