Stylized heart intertwined with arteries, symbolizing heart health and inflammation.

Decoding Inflammation: How IL-17 and Uric Acid Impact Your Heart Health

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Unveiling the Connections Between Inflammation, Metabolic Syndrome, and Atherosclerosis"

Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, prompting researchers to investigate not only traditional risk factors like high cholesterol and blood pressure but also emerging culprits such as inflammation. Two key players in this inflammatory landscape are interleukin-17 (IL-17) and uric acid. Understanding their roles and how they contribute to cardiovascular issues can empower you to take proactive steps towards better heart health.

This article breaks down recent research exploring the connection between IL-17, uric acid, and the development of atherosclerosis (the hardening of arteries), particularly in the context of metabolic syndrome and hypercholesterolemia. We'll translate complex scientific findings into clear, actionable insights you can use to safeguard your heart.

Whether you're at risk for heart disease, managing metabolic syndrome, or simply interested in optimizing your well-being, this guide provides valuable information to help you navigate the complexities of inflammation and its impact on your cardiovascular system.

The Role of Uric Acid in Carotid Artery Disease

Stylized heart intertwined with arteries, symbolizing heart health and inflammation.

Uric acid, a natural waste product in the body, has often been associated with gout and kidney stones. However, emerging research suggests it also plays a significant role in cardiovascular health. A study presented in Atherosclerosis investigated the link between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and carotid artery disease in patients with atherosclerotic ischemic stroke.

The study involved 245 patients and categorized them into three groups based on the severity of carotid plaque: those with no plaques or stenosis (Group 1), those with early non-stenotic plaques (Group 2), and those with advanced plaques (Group 3). Researchers then analyzed the relationship between SUA levels and intima-media thickness (IMT), a measure of the thickening of the artery walls and an indicator of atherosclerosis.

Key Findings:
- A significant linear correlation was found between SUA levels and IMT. Higher SUA levels were associated with greater IMT, indicating a stronger presence of carotid artery disease.
- After adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors like age, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose, SUA remained an independent predictor of IMT greater than 1mm.
What This Means: This research suggests that elevated uric acid levels may contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries. Monitoring and managing SUA levels could be a valuable strategy for reducing stroke risk, particularly for individuals with existing risk factors.

It's important to note that this study highlights a correlation, not necessarily a direct cause-and-effect relationship. However, the findings warrant further investigation into the mechanisms by which uric acid may promote atherosclerosis. More research is needed to determine whether lowering uric acid levels can directly reduce the risk of stroke.

Taking Control of Your Heart Health

The research outlined above underscores the complex interplay between inflammation, metabolic health, and cardiovascular disease. While further studies are needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms involved, the findings highlight the importance of adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing weight, and monitoring key risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure, and uric acid. If you have concerns about your risk for heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider. They can assess your individual risk factors, recommend appropriate screening tests, and develop a personalized plan to protect your cardiovascular health.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is the connection between IL-17 and heart health?

The article highlights IL-17 as a key player in the inflammatory processes contributing to heart disease. It emphasizes that IL-17, along with uric acid, is involved in the development of atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries. While the specific mechanisms are complex and require further research, the presence of IL-17 indicates the involvement of inflammation and its potential impact on cardiovascular health. This understanding is crucial for taking proactive steps towards better heart health, as managing inflammation is essential.

How does uric acid impact carotid artery disease, according to the research?

Research, such as the study presented in *Atherosclerosis*, shows a significant correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and the severity of carotid artery disease. Specifically, higher SUA levels were linked to increased intima-media thickness (IMT) in the carotid arteries. This indicates that elevated uric acid may contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis within these arteries. The study found that even after accounting for other risk factors, SUA was still an independent predictor of an IMT greater than 1mm. It is important to note that while the study shows a correlation, it does not definitively prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

Besides gout and kidney stones, what other health concerns are linked to uric acid?

The article suggests that uric acid, beyond its well-known associations with gout and kidney stones, also plays a role in cardiovascular health. Research indicates a link between elevated uric acid levels and the development of atherosclerosis, specifically in the carotid arteries. Higher levels of uric acid correlate with increased intima-media thickness, a measure of artery wall thickening and an indicator of the disease. This connection highlights the importance of considering uric acid as a factor in heart health and the potential for its management to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular issues.

What does the study on uric acid and carotid artery disease suggest for managing stroke risk?

The study suggests that monitoring and managing serum uric acid (SUA) levels could be a valuable strategy for reducing stroke risk, particularly for individuals with existing risk factors. The research found a correlation between higher SUA levels and increased intima-media thickness (IMT) in the carotid arteries, indicating a link between uric acid and the development of atherosclerosis. Although more research is needed, this correlation implies that controlling SUA levels might help slow the progression of the disease and lower the risk of stroke. This underscores the importance of including uric acid in the comprehensive management of cardiovascular health.

How can someone take proactive steps for better heart health based on the insights from the article?

Based on the insights provided, a proactive approach to heart health involves several key strategies. It is important to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. This means focusing on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and managing weight. Additionally, monitoring and controlling key risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure, and uric acid is essential. Since both IL-17 and uric acid are linked to inflammation and cardiovascular issues, managing these factors can be crucial. Consulting with a healthcare provider is also vital for assessing individual risk factors, obtaining necessary screening tests, and developing a personalized plan to protect cardiovascular health.