Chronic Inflammation Promotes Unhealthy Ageing, Heart Disease & Early Death

Rebecca Lewis September 20, 2013

People with high levels of interleukin-6, a marker of chronic inflammation, are more at risk of cardiovascular disease and death from non-cardiovascular problems after 10 years, a new study revealed.

Inflammation is the body’s natural response against a potential threat, such as infection or injury. However, chronic inflammation does more harm than good as it leads to severe damage in the cells and tissues. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a wide range of illnesses, including diabetes, depression and cancer.

Chronic inflammation linked to unhealthy ageing

The study involved 3,044 people ages 35 to 55, who worked in government service in London and took part in the Whitehall II study. Researchers measured their interleukin-6 levels five years apart and analysed their association with heart disease, non-cardiovascular death, and healthful ageing over the next 10 years.

By the end of the study, 24 per cent of the participants experienced healthy ageing – growing old without disease or disability. 11 per cent developed heart disease (fatal or non-fatal), and 5 per cent died from a different illness. The remaining 61 per cent were categorised under the ‘normal ageing’ group. This group is composed of participants who didn’t fall under the three previous categories.

Their findings show that those who had higher levels of interleukin-6 had higher chances of developing heart disease, or dying from other illnesses. Such associations hold true even after taking into consideration other factors, such as unhealthy lifestyle (smoking and lack of physical activity), obesity, acute inflammation, and use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Reducing inflammation

Certain foods had been scientifically proven to help reduce inflammation in the body. They include good fats like monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, and polyunsaturated fats found in fish and flaxseed oil; green tea, and fresh fruits and vegetables (particularly green, leafy ones). Along with proper nutrition, fighting chronic inflammation also involves getting quality sleep, not smoking and drinking excessively, getting enough rest, managing stress, and exercising regularly.

The study appears in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Source of this article:

Chronic inflammation as a determinant of future aging phenotypes