Chronic inflammation linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk

Research indicates that chronic inflammation, a persistent low-level immune response, serves as a significant driver for various chronic diseases. While acute inflammation is a necessary protective mechanism for healing, chronic inflammation can damage healthy tissues and organs over time.

A large-scale study conducted by Imperial College London, utilizing data from approximately 480,000 participants in the UK Biobank, has linked ‘hidden inflammation’ to structural changes in the heart. By measuring GlycA—a biomarker that reflects multiple inflammatory proteins—researchers found that higher levels of inflammation are associated with reduced ventricular volume, thicker heart walls, and a 43% increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure.

Chronic inflammation is linked to a wide array of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Key contributors to elevated inflammation levels include body fat composition, smoking, mental health status, and lower socioeconomic standing, whereas regular physical activity and healthy diets are associated with lower inflammation levels.