Introduction:
Insulin resistance is a common medical condition affecting many people in the United States and can result in the development of various health disorders, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, low-grade inflammation, high blood pressure, and endothelial dysfunction.
All of which contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease(CVD). These disorders contributing to heart disease constitute insulin resistance syndrome. The prevalence of CVD is increasing globally and is the leading cause of death. In 2019, CVD caused 17.9 million deaths. By 2030, this number is expected to rise, causing over 22.2 million deaths. This article briefly describes how insulin resistance syndrome is associated with cardiovascular risk.
What Is Insulin Resistance Syndrome?
Insulin resistance is a medical disorder characterized by an improper response of the body's tissues and organs to the insulin hormone. Insulin is a hormone that helps maintain blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose (sugar) that enters cells from the bloodstream to be utilized as energy. In insulin resistance, blood glucose regulation is impaired. The blood glucose levels become very high (called diabetes) and ultimately lead to various health conditions such as obesity, endothelial dysfunction, low-grade inflammation, and hypertension. They are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Together, these conditions make up insulin resistance syndrome.
How Is Insulin Resistance Syndrome Linked to Cardiovascular Risk?
Insulin resistance syndrome leads to the development of various health disorders such as obesity, low-grade infection, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and dyslipidemia. These disorders play a major role in increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
-
Obesity (Excess Body Weight):Insulin resistance has a direct link to obesity. Increased body weight can lead to a build-up of fatty material in the blood vessels. This fatty material can cause blockage in the blood vessels and damage the blood vessels. If the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart get damaged or blocked, it can lead to a heart attack.
-
Hypertension: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is considered to be one of the strongest risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and arrhythmias. In hypertension, constant high pressure in blood vessels can cause damage to the lining of blood vessels, leading to greater accumulation of cholesterol inside the blood vessels. This causes blockage and leads to heart attack and stroke. Also, high blood pressure puts a strain on the heart, making it work hard to pump blood, which causes the thickening of the heart muscle and, eventually, heart failure.
-
Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia can be defined as an abnormal level of fats in the blood. In dyslipidemia, there is a high level of triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and serum total cholesterol(TC), or serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration. Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The abnormal levels of fat in dyslipidemia lead to the build-up of plaque in arteries. The plaque that accumulates in the arteries narrows the passage of blood, thus reducing the flow of blood and increasing the risk of clot formation. If the cloth breaks and travels to the heart, it can cause a heart attack.
-
Low-Grade Inflammation: Insulin resistance is directly linked to low-grade inflammation or chronic inflammation and is characterized by increased levels of inflammatory markers. Low-grade inflammation increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in several ways. For example, chronic inflammation can damage the lining of blood vessels. The damaged blood vessels also promote the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels. Also, low-grade inflammation impairs the production of nitric oxide, the molecule that is essential for the relaxation of blood vessels and blood flow. In low-grade inflammation, its production is impaired, and the construction of blood vessels occurs, which leads to an increased risk of heart attack.
-
Endothelial Dysfunction: Endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels that regulate blood flow and prevent blood clot formation. In insulin resistance, there is an increased level of sugar in the blood. The high levels of sugar in the blood cause inflammation, which damages the Inner lining of arteries. Endothelial dysfunction plays a significant role in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. The endothelium is responsible for the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that signals the vessels to relax And regulates smooth blood flow. When the endothelium is damaged, there is a decreased production of nitric oxide. As a result, blood vessels are narrowed, leading to decreased blood flow. Also, damaged endothelium promotes the formation of blood clots, ultimately raising the risk of heart attack.
What Is the Management of Insulin Resistance Syndrome With Cardiovascular Risk?
Managing insulin resistance syndrome with cardiovascular risk involves lifestyle change and medication.
1. Lifestyle Changes:
-
Diet: Maintaining healthy eating habits is important for both managing insulin resistance and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Eat a heart-healthy diet that contains low fats and added sugar. Choose vegetables, lean protein sources, and other sources of fiber.
-
Exercise: Participation in regular physical activity is essential for improving cardiovascular health and insulin sensitivity. Before trying a new activity one should ask a doctor if it is safe.
-
Healthy Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can improve incident sensitivity and cardiovascular health. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be achieved by careful eating, restricting calories, daily food monitoring, and, if required, getting guidance from authorized dietitians.
-
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can increase cardiovascular risk and worsen insulin resistance. So, one should avoid smoking and alcohol to avoid the risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. Medications:
Sometimes, lifestyle changes may not be enough to properly control insulin resistance and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Medications for treating diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels may be prescribed by the doctor to treat specific disorders and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion:
Insulin resistance constitutes a group of health disorders that pose a risk to cardiovascular health. For proper management and prevention, it is essential to know the complex relationship between insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk. Through proper management and lifestyle change, the risk of cardiovascular disease can be decreased. This will encourage optimal cardiovascular health and improve patient outcomes.
