血管也會發炎？

Many parts of the body, such as the face, hands, and feet, can become inflamed, causing symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain. However, many people may not know that blood vessels can also become inflamed, and recent medical research has found that...VasculitisIt is closely related to cardiovascular diseases and is one of the important causes of coronary heart disease.

High cholesterol levels can easily lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels, causing blockages. However, besides cholesterol, inflammation of blood vessels can also promote plaque buildup. A growing body of research indicates that the formation of atherosclerosis is related to chronic inflammation of blood vessels. When atherosclerotic plaques accumulate in blood vessels, insufficient blood supply can lead to coronary heart disease. Unstable plaques are a particularly dangerous type; their outer layer is composed of a fibrous membrane encasing fatty tissue. If this fibrous membrane is severely damaged or ruptured due to inflammation, fat can leak out, forming a thrombus that blocks the blood vessel and triggers an acute myocardial infarction. As plaque inflammation worsens, the proportion of unstable plaques increases, raising the risk of vascular inflammation and naturally increasing the chance of a sudden heart attack.

Currently, the medical community can assess the body's inflammatory status through blood tests for "high-sensitivity C-reactive protein" (hs-CRP). Generally, an hs-CRP level below 1 mg/L is considered low risk, while a level above 3 mg/L is considered high risk. Elevated levels indicate a relatively increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is recommended that people have their hs-CRP levels checked during routine health checkups, in addition to monitoring indicators such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. It's important to note that common inflammation, such as acne or a cold, can cause a temporary increase in CRP levels, but these are usually temporary. However, if the body is in a state of chronic inflammation, such as with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or lupus, the risk of cardiovascular disease may increase. Furthermore, the novel coronavirus has also been found to trigger a severe inflammatory response, leading to acute inflammation of blood vessels and thus increasing the risk of heart disease.

To prevent vasculitis, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is the most effective method. A "three-low, one-high" diet is recommended: low salt, low sugar, low fat, and high fiber. Adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation. In addition, getting enough sleep, regular exercise, learning stress management techniques, and reducing anxiety can also help prevent inflammation.VasculitisStudies have also found that statins, in addition to lowering cholesterol, have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation markers in the body. Therefore, even if some patients' cholesterol levels are not considered high, if their inflammation markers are high and they have a risk of cardiovascular disease, doctors may recommend these medications to control inflammation and prevent heart disease. For individuals with cholesterol levels within the warning range and a moderate risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation marker testing can also be considered to assess whether medication is needed to further reduce the chance of developing the disease.