A study of nearly 480,000 UK adults suggests that chronic inflammation, driven by lifestyle and socioeconomic factors, can cause silent, long-term structural damage to the heart.
Key facts
- •The study analyzed data from nearly 480,000 UK adults using the UK Biobank database.
- •Participants with the highest inflammation levels had a 43% greater risk of heart attack and stroke.
- •Inflammation is linked to socioeconomic status, mental health, smoking, and obesity.
- •Structural heart changes can occur years before any cardiovascular symptoms are felt.
- •Researchers identified interleukin-1 and TNF family proteins as key drivers of heart damage.
Researchers from the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences and Imperial College London have identified a link between chronic inflammation and structural heart damage. The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analyzed data from nearly 480,000 UK adults to determine how everyday stressors and lifestyle factors contribute to cardiovascular risk. Findings indicate that this inflammation can lead to heart changes years before symptoms appear, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
By the numbers
Impact of Inflammation on Heart Health
The study found that individuals with the highest levels of inflammation—the top 20%—faced a 43% higher risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those in the lowest 20%. These higher levels were associated with structural heart changes, such as thickened heart walls, smaller chambers, and impaired heart filling. These conditions can develop silently over years, potentially progressing to heart failure.
Drivers of Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a low-level, persistent activation of the immune system. Researchers linked higher levels of this inflammation to socioeconomic disadvantage, psychological distress, smoking, and excess body fat. While genetic factors influence how susceptible an individual is to this damage, the study notes that lifestyle modifications and addressing health inequalities can help mitigate these risks.
Potential for Future Treatments
The research identified specific inflammatory proteins from the interleukin-1 and TNF families as potential drivers of heart damage. Because some of these proteins are already being targeted in clinical trials, researchers suggest that anti-inflammatory medications could eventually serve as a preventative tool. Combining blood tests for inflammation with genetic risk scores may help identify patients who would benefit most from early intervention.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Medical Xpress.
