How Chronic Inflammation Turns Healthy Arteries Into Heart Attack Zones; Doctor Explains

Chronic inflammation insidiously destroys the arteries, turning them from normal blood vessels into dangerous regions that are prone to heart attacks. In contrast to acute injury, chronic inflammation is a more sustained immune response that leads to progressive destruction of the arterial wall over time. This chronic inflammation promotes the proliferation of fatty plaques - a process termed atherosclerosis-narrowing the arteries and limits the flow of blood. The chronic inflammatory process also erodes the structural integrity of the walls of the arteries, rendering them susceptible to rupture, which may precipitate blood clots and impair circulation to the heart muscle. Knowledge of this mechanism is key to the prevention of cardiovascular events.

Physicians and doctors stress that chronic inflammation is one of the main driving forces behind many cardiovascular diseases, linking lifestyle issues like poor diet, smoking, stress, and obesity with arterial damage. Immune cells emit inflammatory molecules, which in turn enhance plaque formation and destabilise the build-up of deposits inside the arteries. When plaques rupture, they expose underlying materials that encourage clots, which can suddenly block coronary arteries and cause heart attacks. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Abhijeet Palshikar, Director – Cardiology, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune shares how chronic inflammation can damage the artery and trigger heart attack.

How Chronic Inflammation Damages Arteries

Inflammation is the body’s normal response to injury or infection, but when it continues for a long time it becomes harmful. In the arteries, this chronic inflammation irritates the delicate inner layer, called the endothelium, making it easier for cholesterol and other fatty substances to stick and form atherosclerotic plaques. Dr. Abhijeet Palshikar states, “The immune system keeps sending signals to repair the area and releases chemicals called cytokines, which can make the plaques bigger and unstable.” An unstable plaque can rupture and cause a blood clot. If the clot blocks blood flow to the heart, it can trigger a heart attack—even in people with normal cholesterol levels.

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Measuring And Managing Inflammation

Doctors can measure inflammation with simple blood tests. The most common marker is high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), which shows ongoing inflammation and a higher risk of heart problems. Other markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fibrinogen can also signal inflammation in the blood vessels. Dr. Abhijeet Palshikar says, “To lower inflammation, a complete approach is needed: eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids; exercising regularly; sleeping well; and managing stress.” Medicines such as statins not only lower cholesterol but also reduce inflammation. For high-risk patients, newer treatments like anti-interleukin drugs are being studied to target inflammation directly.

Chronic Inflammation Triggering Heart Attack (Image Credits: Canva)

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Heart care is now shifting from focusing only on cholesterol to also targeting inflammation. Major studies have shown that reducing inflammation lowers the risk of repeat heart attacks even when cholesterol is well controlled. Think of inflammation as a slow-burning fire inside the arteries—lowering cholesterol remains vital, but putting out this silent fire through healthy habits, medical treatment, and regular monitoring offers stronger protection for long-term heart health.