Metabolic Syndrome and Heart Disease: Why Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Matter
Dr. Kumar’s Take:
This important review goes beyond the usual suspects like cholesterol and blood pressure when it comes to heart disease. It highlights how chronic inflammation and oxidative stress—often caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, and abdominal obesity—are key players in the development of heart and kidney disease. The study also explores how new therapies may target inflammation directly, rather than just focusing on lipids.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Heart disease is not just about high cholesterol—it’s also driven by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
✔ Visceral fat and high blood sugar can fuel inflammation and damage blood vessels.
✔ AGEs (advanced glycation end products) from high sugar levels and processed foods are harmful to the heart.
✔ Targeting inflammation (like with IL-1β blockers) has shown promise in reducing heart attacks.
✔ Diets rich in antioxidants—like polyphenols from olive oil—may help prevent heart disease.