When people hear the term heart disease, they might immediately think of common risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and being overweight. These are indeed leading causes of cardiovascular issues, but they are not the sole factors. Most of those who are diagnosed with heart disease never have any of these common risk factors. Other less well-known causes of heart disease have also been found in recent research, including stress, inflammation, infection, and arthritis, all of which have one thing in common: chronic inflammation.
The Role of Inflammation in Heart Disease
Recent research, including that by researcher Göran K. Hansson and published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, has begun to redefine heart disease and related vascular disorders as chronic inflammatory diseases. This perspective redirects focus away from traditional risk factors and toward underlying inflammatory processes that cause diseases such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). ASCVD arises as a consequence of fatty plaques developing on the inner walls of blood vessels, leading to hardening of the vessels. ASCVD may result in coronary heart disease, heart attack, and even dementia due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
How Does Inflammation Contribute to Heart Disease?
The creation of artery inflammation, or atherosclerosis, usually starts with damage to the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. It may result from:
- Too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad cholesterol.”
- Being exposed to cigarette smoke and other toxins.
If the endothelial lining is damaged, it sends out chemical distress signals that cause white blood cells to rush in, a critical component of the body’s immune system. The white blood cells penetrate the walls of the arteries, causing inflammation and consuming the cholesterol plaques that develop on them. This, with time, leads to the buildup of fatty streaks—a prelude to atherosclerosis.
Preventing Inflammation and Heart Disease
Fortunately, reducing inflammation within the body can be done without medication. Changing lifestyle also helps reduce inflammation and foster cardiovascular health. Here are the key steps:
- Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fatty fish.
- Avoid highly processed foods and foods high in unhealthy fats that contribute to chronic inflammation.
- Quit Smoking
- Cigarette smoke contains toxins that damage blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis.
- Exercise Regularly
- Exercise helps to lower inflammation and improve cardiovascular health in general.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Excess fat around the belly has been linked to chronic inflammation, so weight loss—especially around the waistline—cuts the risk of heart disease by half.
- Manage Stress Effectively
- Chronic stress will also trigger low-grade inflammation in the body, so stress relief control, such as by meditation or regulated breathing, is necessary.
- Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
- Keeping these levels within a healthy range can additionally lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Conclusion
By understanding and recognizing the root causes of heart disease risks, we can become proactive and guard our cardiovascular health. Beyond the recognized risks of obesity, smoking, and high cholesterol, we should also monitor inflammation, stress, and diet. We can significantly reduce our likelihood of acquiring heart disease by making the right decisions in life and prioritizing heart health, hence, living longer and healthier.