How is Insulin Resistance associated with Atherosclerosis, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?
A. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which deposits of plaque, consisting of fatty substances, calcium and a clotting factor called fibrin, build up in the large and medium arteries, causing them to become thick and hardened. This condition increases your risks of developing a heart attack or stroke. According to a recent study, the glucose and insulin disorder called Insulin Resistance can facilitate the onset of atherosclerosis by causing your body to process glucose and lipids improperly. (1) This may result in high levels of free radicals – molecules that can cause inflammation, resulting in damage to the walls of blood vessels and the development of atherosclerosis. Insulin Resistance can also lead to decreased levels of nitric oxide (NO), which are released by the body to relax coronary and peripheral arteries. Low levels of NO further exacerbate cardiovascular problems by causing arteries to constrict, which decreases blood flow and increases blood pressure. This results in a hi
