Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and constricts the airways, affecting 262 million people worldwide annually. Recent studies have found that persistent asthma leads to higher levels of inflammation, which results in the formation of arterial plaques. These plaques are made of calcium, fat, and blood clotting material known as fibrin. When cells in artery walls detect plaque accumulation, they multiply in number and secrete cellular substances that aggravate the condition of the clogged arteries. Eventually, the plaque deposits form large chunks that block and harden the artery, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Plaque buildup and rupture in the carotid arteries may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with asthma compared to those without asthma. Therefore, addressing the risk factors for cardiovascular disease through an understanding of the correlation between asthma and plaque buildup remains crucial.
Researchers obtained data from 5,029 adults in their sixties enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). MESA is a nationwide longitudinal study that began in 2000 (all participants had no cardiovascular disease at the start) to the present day. Participants were grouped into having persistent asthma, intermittent asthma, or not having asthma. In the beginning, all participants received an ultrasound of their carotid arteries to spot any plaques. The quantifiers of the study included a plaque score for the number of plaques in the arterial walls of carotid arteries and inflammatory level biomarkers of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Results showed that carotid plaque was present in 67% of people with persistent asthma and 49.5% of people with intermittent asthma. Those with persistent asthma had roughly two carotid plaques compared to one carotid plaque in those with intermittent asthma. In addition, IL-6 levels were about 1.89 pg/mL in persistent asthma patients compared to 1.52 pg/mL in people without asthma. Accounting for other factors, researchers discovered that the association between persistent asthma and carotid artery plaque was significant, but not a causal relationship yet.
These statistics reveal that a multitude of factors affect the presence of carotid plaques among asthma patients. The inflammatory characteristics of asthma may arise from constant elevated levels of inflammation in the bloodstream even after taking medication. Thus, persistent asthma may deteriorate one’s cardiovascular system, bringing heart attacks, high blood pressure, and atrial fibrillation.
Fatty Plaque And Cholesterol Blocking Coronary Heart Artery
Image Source: Ed Reschke
People with asthma can improve their conditions by making effective adjustments in their diet, lifestyle, behavioral, and exercising habits. Following the American Heart Association’s Life Essential 8’s recommendations and addressing one’s risk factors for cardiovascular disease are essential in boosting one’s heart health, reducing asthmatic airway inflammation, and staving off more severe forms of asthma.
Featured Image Source: iDoPixBox
