Study reveals heart changes

A new study shows chronic inflammation linked to socioeconomic status and lifestyle may quietly alter heart structure.

Inflammation levels double risk

People with highest inflammation levels had 43 percent higher risk of heart attack and stroke than those with lowest levels.

Professor O’Regan explains

Professor Declan O’Regan says chronic inflammation may cause hidden heart damage without initial symptoms.

“Our study, which is the largest of its kind, suggests that millions of people could be living with hidden inflammation, which is slowly changing their heart and causing long term damage - increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.”

Inflammation linked to stress

Chronic stress from various causes may trigger long-term inflammation without initial symptoms.

“Chronic stress, from many different causes, may trigger long-term inflammation with no initial symptoms.”

Social disadvantage key risk

Social disadvantage is emerging as a key risk factor for heart disease and a potential public health intervention.

“Social disadvantage is emerging as a key risk factor for heart disease and potentially an important public health intervention.”

Mediterranean diet helps

A Mediterranean diet may modestly reduce inflammation, alongside maintaining healthy weight.

“The best way to reduce inflammation is probably to keep to a healthy weight, and there is some evidence that a Mediterranean diet can have a modest effect on inflammation.”