Chronic stress and related factors may be quietly altering the heart through inflammation, according to a new report. The process can unfold over years without noticeable symptoms, making it easy to overlook until a cardiac event occurs.
The research linked chronic inflammation to stress, lifestyle, mental health, and socioeconomic conditions. People with the highest levels of inflammation had a 43% higher risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those with lower levels.
The findings suggest that inflammation could serve as an early warning sign or a target for prevention. Because the changes happen silently, monitoring inflammation might help identify at-risk individuals before heart problems emerge.