Understanding the Link Between Cholesterol and Inflammation in Heart Disease
Are you aware of the partnership between cholesterol and inflammation when it comes to causing heart attacks and strokes? Inflammation is your body’s natural response to harmful conditions, but when it becomes excessive, it can actually cause harm. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart disease, it’s important to have a conversation with your doctor about the role of cardiovascular inflammation and what steps can be taken to address it.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, making it crucial for those with risk factors for cardiovascular disease to understand how they can potentially prevent a major cardiac event like a heart attack or stroke. Recent studies have shown that in individuals already taking statins to lower cholesterol, residual vascular inflammation is a strong predictor of future cardiovascular events — possibly even more so than high cholesterol levels.
Evidence from multiple peer-reviewed publications points to the benefits of additional anti-inflammatory therapy for high-risk patients already on statins to further decrease their risk of heart attacks and strokes. Traditional therapies focus on managing high cholesterol, but do not address the issue of remaining vascular inflammation, which is a key factor in reducing the risk of heart attacks that over 800,000 Americans with cardiovascular disease may face each year.
Understanding the Role of Inflammation in Cardiovascular Health
Most heart attacks and strokes occur due to blocked blood flow to the heart and brain, respectively. Inflammation plays a crucial role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to plaque buildup. This narrowing can lead to reduced blood flow and blood clots, ultimately resulting in heart attacks and strokes. Individuals with ASCVD are at a high risk for acute cardiovascular events, and inflammation, in combination with high cholesterol, contributes to the formation of plaque and the progression of ASCVD.
Reducing Cardiovascular Inflammation
To determine your risk of inflammation-related cardiovascular issues, the first step is to undergo testing. A simple blood test can measure the levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a biomarker for inflammation, and provide insights into your heart disease risk. If your hs-CRP level is elevated, there are treatment options available, such as low-dose colchicine, a once-daily oral anti-inflammatory tablet, shown to reduce the risk of major cardiac events like heart attacks and strokes.
Renowned cardiologist Philip Nimoityn, M.D., FACC, emphasizes the significance of addressing inflammation in cardiovascular health, stating, “Inflammation has long been recognized as a contributing factor to heart attacks and strokes. Low-dose colchicine is a significant advancement in treating individuals with cardiovascular inflammation, reducing the risk of cardiac events by 31% in patients with established cardiovascular disease.”
If you have been diagnosed with ASCVD or have multiple risk factors for the condition, it’s important to address untreated cardiovascular inflammation to lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of getting tested for hs-CRP and exploring new anti-inflammatory treatment options like low-dose colchicine.
Learn more about assessing your cardiovascular risk and taking proactive steps to support your heart health at CVDInflammation.com.
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