CHANGEABLE RISK FOR HEART DISEASE AND INNATE IMMUNITY

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, psychosocial stress, and insufficient sleep is a significant concern for cardiovascular health. These factors contribute to chronic inflammation, which plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in the arteries. This condition can lead to serious cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke. It is essential to address these risk factors through lifestyle changes and interventions that promote healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep. By doing so, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and improve their overall health. Atherosclerosis is a complex process influenced by various modifiable risk factors that can lead to serious cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Recent insights have highlighted the significance of factors like diet, exercise, and stress management in mitigating the progression of atherosclerosis. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerotic plaques, and conditions such as dyslipidemia and hypertension are key contributors to this inflammatory process. Studies have shown that an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, psychosocial stress, and insufficient sleep are increasingly prevalent risk factors that exacerbate chronic inflammation within arterial walls, thereby accelerating atherosclerosis. Furthermore, emerging research suggests that novel indicators, including inflammatory parameters like C-reactive protein, blood smear ratios, and uric acid levels, are significant in assessing the complexity of coronary artery disease. Additionally, alterations in microbiota, vitamin D deficiency, and obstructive sleep apnea have also been identified as predictors of disease severity. The interdisciplinary approach to managing these modifiable risk factors, including regular assessment of lipid profiles and monitoring of cardiovascular risks, is crucial for secondary prevention among patients at risk of coronary atherosclerosis progression. It is imperative that healthcare providers incorporate these insights into patient care to improve cardiovascular outcomes. The integration of these recent findings into clinical practice can potentially reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke, thereby alleviating the global burden of cardiovascular diseases.