Scientists find new cause of heart disease and inflammation

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Western countries. A common form of this condition is atherosclerosis, which happens when plaque builds up inside the arteries. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, calcium, and other materials.

Over time, this buildup hardens and narrows the arteries, reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to vital parts of the body. This can lead to serious problems like heart attacks and strokes.

For many years, the main explanation for atherosclerosis was the “Lipid Hypothesis,” also called the “Cholesterol Hypothesis.” This theory suggests that high levels of cholesterol in the blood are the main cause of atherosclerosis.

While cholesterol plays a role, recent research shows that the story is more complicated. Scientists have discovered other factors that contribute to the development of this disease.

A recent study conducted by researchers at New York University highlights the surprising role of platelets in atherosclerosis. Platelets are tiny fragments of cells in the blood. Their primary job is to help blood clot when you get injured, stopping bleeding.

However, the study found that platelets do more than that—they also play a big role in inflammation, which is closely tied to plaque formation in the arteries.

The researchers discovered that when platelets are activated, they release substances that attract white blood cells (leukocytes) to areas of inflammation in the blood vessels. These white blood cells then stick to the inflamed areas, contributing to the buildup of plaque.

The study also showed that platelets influence a specific protein called SOCS3, which has a key role in this process. When platelets regulate SOCS3 in certain immune cells, it speeds up the development of atherosclerosis.

Interestingly, the researchers pointed out that platelets don’t always cause blood clots in this context. Instead, they contribute to the inflammation that damages arteries without directly forming clots. This adds a new layer to understanding how atherosclerosis develops.

The study also examined patients who had heart attacks and those with atherosclerosis in their legs. In both groups, researchers found higher levels of SOCS3 protein, increased platelet activity, and more signs of inflammation.

These findings suggest a strong link between platelet activity, inflammation, and the progression of heart disease.

This research shows that platelets are not just involved in clotting but also play a role in triggering inflammation that damages blood vessels.

This could open the door to new treatments that target platelets or their interactions with proteins like SOCS3 to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Inflammation is a common factor in many chronic health conditions, not just heart disease. Other studies suggest that deficiencies in vitamins like D and B may increase inflammation and that certain diets can help reduce it.

These findings underline the importance of understanding and managing inflammation for better overall health.

The study was published in Science Translational Medicine and conducted by Dr. Tessa Barrett and her team.

If you care about heart health, please read studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and Yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.

For more information about health, please see recent studies that Vitamin D deficiency can increase heart disease risk, and results showing Zinc and vitamin B6 linked to lower death risk in heart disease.