Chronic stress may trigger hidden inflammation that damages the heart

Chronic stress and socioeconomic factors may be triggering hidden inflammation that silently damages the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to a large UK study. Researchers from Imperial College London and the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences analyzed data from almost 480,000 adults and found that people with the highest levels of inflammation had a 43% higher risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those with the lowest levels.

The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, showed that chronic inflammation can cause structural changes in the heart, such as thickened walls and smaller chambers, which may develop over years before leading to heart failure. Factors like poverty, mental health issues, smoking, and obesity were strongly linked to higher inflammation levels, suggesting that everyday life stresses could have significant biological consequences.

While genetic factors play a role, the researchers emphasize that people can take steps to reduce inflammation by addressing risk factors like smoking, obesity, and stress, potentially preventing long-term heart damage.