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In Gainesville, Florida, many adults visit the doctor annually to have their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, anemia, vitamin D levels, and thyroid function checked. However, there is a potentially life-saving test that some believe may be missing from these routine check-ups: chronic inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is a condition that is linked to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, allergies, and COPD. Research has shown that around 34 percent of people aged 20 and older experience chronic inflammation. Dr. Arch Mainous, a community health and family specialist, is studying the impact of chronic inflammation on the body, particularly in individuals living in poverty.
In a large study conducted by Mainous, it was found that individuals with chronic inflammation who are also living in poverty have a significantly higher risk of dying from heart disease and cancer compared to those with only one risk factor. This research highlights the importance of new screening guidelines to identify chronic inflammation early on.
One potential treatment for inflammation is a new FDA-approved drug called colchicine, which targets inflammation and reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease caused by inflammation. Mainous hopes that this research will prompt healthcare providers to take action in implementing new screening tests for chronic inflammation, similar to those used for high cholesterol or high glucose levels.
