Clotblog with Dr Samuel Goldhaber

View all posts »

Testing the inflammation hypothesis (at last!) with Dr Paul Ridker

Sep 21, 2012 09:50 EDT


There's—obviously—strong indirect evidence to support the hypothesis that inflammation is a fundamental determinant of MI and stroke. But until now, there's been no trial specifically designed to test this hypothesis. Two trials are now under way. Find out more from Dr Paul Ridker.





« Previous Post
Warfarin vs aspirin in patients with HF and normal sinus rhythm
Sep 28, 2012 08:45 EDT Next post »
Marking PAD awareness month
Sep 14, 2012 09:30 EDT



Your comments
Testing the inflammation hypothesis (at last!) with Dr Paul Ridker
# 1 of 2
September 27, 2012 02:32 (EDT)
Schelin

Well it seems that treating inflammation is the next step in solving the MI & Stroke problem, but still not reaching to the final solution.

Until the answer of what causes inflammation is determined we won't really solve the problem. Is any research being done of bacteria and its effect on causing inflammation?

Bacteria=Inflammation=Plaque

I don't see cholesterol as the problem as it seems to act as the band-aid in trying to isolate and seal off inflammation. Whether its within the inside wall of an artery or between the layers of an artery, cholesterol seems to be doing its job perfectly. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
# 2 of 2
September 27, 2012 05:37 (EDT)
Samuel Z. Goldhaber, MD

Thank you for your query.

 Dr. Ridker responds as follows:

“It is likely that the underlying cause of vascular inflammation is multi-factorial, driven in part by lipids (such as  “inflammatory HDL”) but also by obesity, diet, poor exercise, smoking, and several environmental toxins.  There is also a great deal of data suggesting that bacteria, both periodontal and gut flora, may also impact on this process. However, randomized antibiotic trials done a decade ago failed to show any benefit. The ongoing CANTOS trial testing canakinumab (and interleukin-1 inhibitor) and the soon to start NIH-funded CIRT trial testing low-dose methotrexate, are both designed to directly assess whether reducing inflammation will in turn reduce cardiovascular event rates”.

You must be a member (with full membership) to post a comment.
Already a member?
Enter your login information below:
 Remember me on this computer
Forgot your username and/or password?
        Login        
Enjoy all the benefits of theheart.org

With full membership, you can check out our educational and editorial content, search the site, receive our newsletters, join discussions, download slides and much more.

Membership is free!

    Join now for full access    
Who's Talking
Samuel Z Goldhaber, MD
Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Director, Venous Thromboembolism Research Group
Co-Director, Anticoagulation Management Service
Cardiovascular Division
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, MA