Atherosclerosis research reveals early plaque presence and potential manganese benefits

Recent medical research has highlighted the prevalence and potential treatment of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in artery walls that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

An international study involving over 16,000 adults found that approximately one in 13 adults under the age of 30 possess hidden arterial plaque, despite having no known cardiovascular disease. The findings, presented at ESC Congress 2026 and published in The New England Journal of Medicine, suggest that the condition often progresses silently for decades before symptoms appear.

In a separate study published in Life Metabolism, researchers investigated the role of manganese in managing cardiovascular health. Using mouse models, the study found that specific doses of the mineral could lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels while reducing arterial plaque. The researchers suggest manganese may interfere with the COPII system, which regulates how the body releases fat-carrying particles into the bloodstream.