Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

On-Chip Endothelial Inflammatory Phenotyping
12:43

On-Chip Endothelial Inflammatory Phenotyping

Published on: July 21, 2012

The accumulative effects of modifiable risk factors on inflammation and haemostasis

Mark Hamer1, Emmanual Stamatakis1

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK.

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|April 16, 2008
PubMed

Various modifiable risk factors have been associated with inflammation and haemostasis, although the accumulative effects have not yet been examined. We therefore explored additive and independent associations of modifiable risk factors (smoking, alcohol, cholesterol, obesity, hypertension, physical activity) with inflammatory (CRP) and haemostatic (fibrinogen) markers. Data were collected from a sample of 7670 healthy asymptomatic participants (45.9% men, aged 46.2+/-15.6 years). A graded increase in the risk of inflammation (CRP> or =3 mg/L) with increasing numbers of modifiable risk factors was demonstrated (odds ratio for > or =4 risk factors=5.09, 95% CI, 3.96-6.55). Similar associations were found in relation to haemostasis. Central adiposity was the strongest independent predictor of inflammation (OR=3.45, 95% CI, 3.07-3.87) although smoking most strongly predicted haemostasis (OR=2.19, 95% CI, 1.94-2.48). These findings suggest that targeting multiple risk factors is likely to have the greatest benefit for cardiovascular prevention.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects01:25

Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects

Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction01:12

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis01:20

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis

Blood clotting or coagulation involves extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which ultimately merge into the common pathway, forming a fibrin clot.
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...