Question 36 of 433
Is inflammation really part of heart disease?
The short answer
Yes, and we can measure it with an inexpensive blood test called hs-CRP only when it could clarify a cardiovascular risk decision.
A 2024 study followed nearly 28,000 women for thirty years. Three simple blood tests taken once, LDL, Lp(a), and hs-CRP, predicted heart events three decades later. The inflammation marker was the strongest of the three.
We also have proof that calming inflammation helps. Low-dose colchicine, an old gout medicine, reduced heart events by about 30 percent in people with coronary disease and is now approved for that purpose. It is not for everyone, but it shows that the inflammation story is true.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST HUMAN TRIALS for selected anti-inflammatory treatment; OBSERVATIONAL for hs-CRP risk prediction.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsCObservationalPart 3, Q36 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.