Inflammation is a normal part of the body's immune response. It's a process by which the body's immune system fights off infections and repairs damaged tissue. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can cause a variety of health problems, including heart disease.
Many things can cause inflammation, both internally and externally. Let’s explore what these factors are, and how you can combat them to improve your heart health.
There are many factors that can cause inflammation in the body. Some of the most common causes include:1
1. Poor Diet. A diet that is high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation.
2. Stress. Chronic stress can trigger inflammation in the body.
3. Lack of Exercise. Exercise helps to reduce inflammation in the body, so a lack of exercise can lead to chronic inflammation.
4. Environmental Toxins. Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pollution, can trigger inflammation in the body.
Chronic inflammation can lead to a myriad of different symptoms. Of course, these symptoms will vary depending on the part of the body that’s affected. However, here are some common symptoms of chronic inflammation:
- Pain
- Redness or warmth in the affected area
- Swelling
- Fatigue or general feeling of being unwell
- Chronic low-grade fever
- Digestive issues (i.e., bloating, constipation, diarrhea)
- Skin issues (i.e., rashes, hives, acne)
- Joint pain and stiffness
It's important to note that chronic inflammation can often go unnoticed for a long time because the symptoms can be subtle and gradual. Over time, however, chronic inflammation can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease.2
Of course, if you’re experiencing these symptoms and suspect that it may be due to chronic inflammation, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your inflammation and develop a treatment plan to manage your symptoms and improve your overall health.
Helpful Hint: Remember to share your Cardiogram data with them so they have an in-depth look into your health.
When inflammation becomes chronic, it can damage the lining of the blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened. This can lead to other cardiovascular problems, including:2
Heart Attack. When a blood clot forms in a narrowed artery, it can block blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack.
Stroke. When a blood clot forms in a narrowed artery in the brain, it can block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke.
Heart Failure. Chronic inflammation can damage the heart muscle, leading to heart failure.
These are clearly serious issues. Because of this, it’s important to focus on avoiding or reducing inflammation in the body. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to go about this.
There are many things you can do to reduce inflammation in your body. So much of what causes inflammation to occur in the first place is based on our actions or state of mind, both of which we typically have a good bit of control over. For example, some of the simplest ways to decrease inflammation include:3
Eating a Healthy Diet. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Exercising Regularly. Exercise helps to reduce inflammation in the body, so make sure to get plenty of physical activity.
Managing Stress. Finding ways to manage stress, such as practicing yoga or meditation, can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Avoiding Environmental Toxins. Limit your exposure to environmental toxins, such as pollution, by wearing a mask when necessary and avoiding areas with heavy pollution.
Helpful Hint: Be sure to take advantage of your Journal in your Cardiogram app to help you track your healthy habits and progress. And for a little extra support for starting these habits, be sure to enroll in one of our heart healthy Habits!
