Inflammation and Brain-heart axis: redefining CVD risk

This chapter explores the link between inflammation, mental health and cardiovascular risk (CVD), introducing an emerging concept: the brain-heart axis. It begins with a reflection on inflammation, questioning whether it can really synthesise all causes of cardiovascular risk. The second section examines the central role of the amygdala in stress and its connection to cardiovascular risk. It goes on to discuss the benefits of stress reduction in preventing cardiovascular disease, showing how appropriate stress management can positively affect the heart. Finally, the last paragraph explores the relationship between depression and cardiovascular health, emphasising how a ‘sad brain’ can lead to a ‘sad heart’, increasing the risk of heart disease.