Hardening of the arteries is associated with heart disease and strokes, but it may also be linked with autoimmune diseases. Studies published in medical journals indicate that those who have high blood levels of a molecule known to cause vascular disease have exaggerated symptoms of autoimmune disorders like arthritis or psoriasis.
Could this be a breakthrough in finding an answer to type 1 Diabetes, Grave’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis? It might seem that these diseases are very different, but they have the common denominator of being numbered in the jumbled list of autoimmune diseases. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases and most of these diseases affect women and every part of their body.
It is known that autoimmune diseases are subject to the immune system. Your immune system protects your body against bacteria and viruses. White blood cells are one of the main components of the immune system. When the immune system is activated it directly attacks invaders or produces proteins or antibodies that attack the problem. The choreography of this system works very well with the white blood cells scrubbing out invaders.
An autoimmune disease is the immune system gone awry. White blood cells overreact to stimuli inside the body. The immune system attacks and destroys the body’s healthy tissue. Basically it produces antibodies against the body”s own tissues.
oxLDL or oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels can lead to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. In laboratory animals, higher levels of oxLDL caused them to experience an increase in Th17 cells and exaggerated symptoms of autoimmune disorders. When drugs that inhibit the activity of the Th17 cells were introduced, autoimmune symptoms improved.
Atherosclerosis is called the ” “silent killer.” Its progression is slow and not usually found until a heart attack or stokes causes lifestyle changes. It is preventable. Atherosclerosis begins with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. As you lead your unhealthy lifestyle a jumble of cholesterol, cells and debris create uneven and thick places in artery walls. This bump gets bigger until it creates a blockage. It happens throughout your body. You may find that there are no symptoms until you are older, however once your arteries become narrow, your blood flow is cut off and you feel pain.
By researching vascular issues, autoimmune issues can be suggested. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus cause blood flow problems and autoimmune illnesses can prevent muscles from getting the oxygen/blood flow they need. Those with autoimmune diseases seem to be a greater risk for heart issues due to thicken blood and compromised circulatory systems.
This study is leading scientists to believe that autoimmune diseases are not just immune system problems. There are key factors in the circulatory system that impact the immune system which in turn causes autoimmune problems. Those with T cell mutations, autoimmune disorders or rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis have a huge risk of developing hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. Could this be an issue with white blood cells that move around in your blood stream? Interesting to contemplate.
This is a bit of a break though for those who suffer from autoimmune diseases. In addition to immune system drugs and disorders, circulator factors need to be treated. Medical researchers claim that controlling oxLDL levels in the circulation system could improve the pharmacological treatment of autoimmune diseases.
There are additional ways that you can reduce your risk of vascular problems and autoimmune diseases. Inflammation is the major factor in immune dysfunction and blood issues. Eat a diet rich in antioxidants and stop smoking are good places to begin reducing your inflammation and vascular issues. Consider your circulatory system as well as your immune system. Studies now prove that vascular issues do lead to autoimmune diseases and autoimmune diseases lead to vascular problems.
