---
title: "Body-wide inflammation (GlycA) linked to higher cardiovascular risk and heart changes"
id: "medical-news-today-0-body-wide-inflammation-could-signal-increased-heart-health-risks"
canonical_url: "https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-body-wide-inflammation-could-signal-increased-heart-health-risks"
content_type: "clinical_feed_article"
specialty: "Cardiology"
source_name: "Medical News Today"
source_url: "https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/body-wide-inflammation-could-signal-increased-heart-health-risks/"
published_at: "2026-09-24T14:00:00.000Z"
evidence_level: "Verified Feed"
license: "CC-BY-NC-4.0 / Informational Use"
---
# Body-wide inflammation (GlycA) linked to higher cardiovascular risk and heart changes
## Provenance & Clinical Metadata
- **Canonical URL:** https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-body-wide-inflammation-could-signal-increased-heart-health-risks
- **Specialty:** [Cardiology](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/cardiology.md)
- **Primary Source:** Medical News Today
- **Source URL:** [Original Journal Publication](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/body-wide-inflammation-could-signal-increased-heart-health-risks/)
- **Published At:** 2026-09-24T14:00:00.000Z
- **Evidence Rating:** Verified Feed
## Executive GIST (TL;DR)
- A large analysis of 488,079 UK Biobank participants assessed chronic inflammation using the biomarker **GlycA** and found associations with structural and functional heart changes and increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). - People with higher GlycA had smaller left ventricular volume, increased wall thickness, and reduced diastolic function, all signs linked to poorer cardiac performance. - The study reported that participants with the highest GlycA levels had a 43% higher risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event versus those with the lowest levels, though causation was not established. - Environmental and lifestyle factors tied to higher GlycA included **trunk (visceral) fat**, current smoking, psychological distress, and lower socioeconomic status; depression and android fat distribution were also implicated. - Protective associations were observed for greater physical activity, healthier diets, and higher socioeconomic status, which correlated with lower GlycA levels. - Researchers explored genetic influence and found that genetic susceptibility “significantly modifies” how inflammation relates to environmental exposures, suggesting interactions between inherited traits and lifestyle factors. - Experts quoted in the article emphasized GlycA as a risk marker that complements established measures (ApoB/LDL, blood pressure, blood sugar, adiposity, smoking) and noted that lifestyle measures remain important regardless of genetic background. - The analysis reinforces the link between systemic chronic inflammation and cardiovascular risk but does not prove that lowering GlycA directly prevents events; further research is needed to define GlycA’s role as a prognostic biomarker.
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Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fbody-wide-inflammation-could-signal-increased-heart-health-risks&media=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.post.rvohealth.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2026%2F09%2Fgetty_2285181904_header_1296x728-1024x575.jpg&description=Heart%20health%3A%20Inflammation%20could%20increase%20risk%20of%20stroke%2C%20heart%20attack "Share on Pinterest")Higher levels of GlycA, an inflammation marker, was associated with an increased risk of heart problems, a recent study finds. Maskot/Getty Images * **Higher glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA) levels were linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, according to a recent study.** * **Trunk fat, smoking, and psychological distress were associated with higher GlycA levels, while lower GlycA levels were more common with regular physical activity and a healthier diet.** * **Experts explain that, while genetics can impact inflammation in the body, lifestyle changes such as diet quality and physical activity are important for everyone.** Researchers estimate that around [34%](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10808594/) of adults in the United States have systemic [inflammation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423), which is associated with [cardiovascular disease](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/257484) and related mortality. Experts do not fully understand how inflammation can lead to changes in the structure and function of the heart. A recent study published in the [European Journal of Preventive Cardiology](https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurjpc/zwag435/8802224) analyzed data from almost half a million people, measuring chronic inflammation using a marker called glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA) to determine its potential relationship with heart health. The researchers also examined how environmental factors such as smoking could affect inflammation, as well as the role genetics might play in the susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. ## Higher GlycA levels could indicate heart problems The researchers analyzed GlycA measurements in 488,079 [UK Biobank](https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/) participants. They found that people with higher GlycA levels were more likely to have a smaller volume in the heart’s left ventricle. Higher GlycA was also associated with increased wall thickness and reduced diastolic function. The findings also suggest that GlycA levels are associated with a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), such as: * [heart attack](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151444) * [stroke](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7624) * [heart failure](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/risks-of-heart-failure) [Cheng-Han Chen](https://www.memorialcare.org/providers/cheng-han-chen), MD, board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA spoke with _Medical News Today_ about the study’s findings. “In this study, people with the highest GlycA levels had a 43% higher risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event compared with those who had the lowest levels. That is a meaningful difference and adds to the evidence that GlycA may provide useful information about cardiovascular risk,” said Chen, who was not involved in the study. However, Chen added, “these findings do not establish that elevated GlycA directly causes cardiovascular events, so further research is needed to determine its role as a prognostic biomarker.” [Michelle Routhenstein](https://entirelynourished.com/), MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished, who was also not involved in the study, also shared some thoughts with _MNT_. “In clinical practice, I would view GlycA as one piece of the puzzle, alongside ApoB or LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, visceral adiposity, smoking status, and overall cardiovascular history. It is a risk marker, not a diagnosis or treatment target on its own,” she explained. ## Higher GlycA caused by trunk fat, smoking, psychological distress According to the study findings, factors that were more likely to result in higher GlycA levels include: * trunk fat * currently smoking * psychological distress * low socioeconomic status [Depression](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8933), visceral fat, and android fat distribution (fat stored in the abdomen, chest, and upper body) were also more likely to lead to higher levels of inflammation. Routhenstein explained that “[t]hese findings matter because they show how closely inflammation is tied to everyday factors that affect heart health. Extra fat surrounding the midsection is metabolically active and linked with inflammation and poorer blood sugar control.” She said, “Smoking increases inflammation and damages blood vessels, adding to cardiovascular risk. Ongoing stress can affect sleep, physical activity, food choices, and smoking habits, so it is important to look at the whole person.” Chen added, “This is consistent with our broader understanding that persistent inflammation can contribute to processes involved in cardiovascular disease.” ## Lower GlycA associated with physical activity, healthier diets Higher levels of physical activity and consuming a healthier diet were associated with lower GlycA levels, the study authors found. They also determined that higher socioeconomic status was associated with lower GlycA levels. “Regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet [have been associated](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10460604/) with lower levels of chronic inflammation and better cardiovascular health. Therefore, it is reasonable that this study found these healthy lifestyle factors were associated with lower GlycA levels,” explained Chen. “While this does not prove that lowering GlycA itself will prevent cardiovascular events, it reinforces the importance of established lifestyle measures for reducing overall cardiovascular risk,” he added. Routhenstein said that these findings are “not surprising because we know that regular physical activity and a nutrient-dense, minimally processed diet can support blood sugar control, reduce harmful abdominal fat, and help lower inflammation.” She added that “[t]he encouraging takeaway is that heart-healthy habits can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving metabolic health, inflammation, and heart-related risk factors.” ## Genetics could influence cardiovascular disease risk The study researchers also examined whether genetics could affect the relationship between inflammation and environmental exposures. They found that genetic susceptibility “significantly modifies” this relationship. “A person’s inflammatory profile may reflect both inherited characteristics and factors such as diet, physical activity, smoking, body composition, stress, and other environmental exposures,” said Chen. “Understanding how these factors interact may help us better identify and manage cardiovascular risk in the future,” he added. Routhenstein also spoke with _MNT_ about this finding. “I think this is an important and empowering reminder that cardiovascular risk is not simply genetics versus lifestyle. Our genes may influence how strongly our bodies respond to factors such as abdominal fat, smoking, diet, stress, or physical inactivity, but they do not determine our future on their own,” she explained. “The important message is that the factors we can change through science-based nutrition, including diet quality, physical activity, smoking cessation, sleep, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol management, remain worthwhile for everyone, regardless of genetic background.” Advertisement Explore these resources for heart health ![](https://media.post.rvohealth.io/2kLEJX4A3LDe7GGDNr31WST2A26/2026/09/22/3Jh6JJVbHeeYdwPPvS1qq37Pvue.jpeg) Hilo **Track Blood Pressure Right From Your Wrist** * Up to 30-35 daily BP readings, no cuff needed. * Instant, doctor-ready PDF reports for your next visit. * Built for adults who want to stay ahead of hypertension. * Wear it all day for passive background tracking. 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