Written by: Dr. Amnon Beniaminovitz
When most people think about heart disease and plaque formation, hardening of the coronary arteries, or atherosclerosis, they automatically think about fats and cholesterol. What most people fail to realize is that inflammation plays a central role in plaque formation. In cardiology, we have known for years that people who have certain autoimmune diseases like Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or chronic inflammatory conditions, such as chronic Lyme Disease or AIDS, have increased rates of plaque formation and increased rates of heart attacks and strokes. It is now commonly appreciated that atherosclerosis results from a complex interplay between inflammation and lipids.
While there are many ways to lower inflammation the key is to understand one’s individual risk and how aggressively to treat comorbid conditions that provoke the inflammatory response. Early and appropriate screening with a cardiologist is a good way to assess one’s risk and make a treatment plan to reduce the future possibility of heart attack or stroke.
If you suffer from chronic inflammation or chronic infections, please make an appointment to get screened. Early detection and risk modification are the keys to preventing poor outcomes and ensuring that patients live healthy lives.
Early detection leads to better prevention. Therefore, getting these early signs of a heart attack diagnosed will reduce your chances of getting this fatal disease in the future!
Make your heart health your main priority.
Book an appointment today with Manhattan Cardiology.
