Persistent asthma linked to increased buildup of plaque in arteries leading to the brain

A new study suggests individuals with persistent asthma have higher levels of inflammation and artery plaque, which may increase heart attack or stroke risk. An analysis of data for more than 5,000 adults has found that those with persistent asthma appeared to be at increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Individuals with persistent asthma had nearly twice the odds of having plaque in their carotid arteries as those without asthma, after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, weight, other health conditions, prescription medication use and smoking. Study participants with persistent asthma also had higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers as compared to those without asthma.
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