Surreal illustration of a heart with arteries transforming into crystalline structures and fiery strands, symbolizing the role of uric acid and interleukin-17 in cardiovascular disease.

Unlocking the Mystery: Can a Simple Blood Test Predict Your Risk of Heart Disease?

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Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores how uric acid and interleukin-17 levels might be early warning signs for atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome."


Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, prompting researchers to seek earlier and more accurate methods of risk assessment. Traditional risk factors like high cholesterol, blood pressure, and family history are well-established, but emerging research suggests that other biomarkers may provide valuable insights into an individual's susceptibility to atherosclerosis and related conditions.

Two such biomarkers are uric acid and interleukin-17 (IL-17). Uric acid, a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, has long been associated with gout and kidney stones. However, recent studies have hinted at its potential role in cardiovascular disease. Similarly, IL-17, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, has been implicated in autoimmune disorders and may also contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

This article delves into recent research presented at Atherosclerosis 2018, exploring the associations between uric acid levels, IL-17, and early signs of vascular damage. By understanding these potential risk indicators, we can empower ourselves to take proactive steps toward maintaining optimal cardiovascular health.

Uric Acid: A Surprising Link to Carotid Artery Disease

Surreal illustration of a heart with arteries transforming into crystalline structures and fiery strands, symbolizing the role of uric acid and interleukin-17 in cardiovascular disease.

A study involving 245 patients investigated the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and carotid artery disease, a condition characterized by plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. The research team categorized patients 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).

The study revealed a significant linear correlation between SUA levels and intima-media thickness (IMT), a measure of the thickness of the inner layers of the carotid artery wall. Higher SUA levels were associated with increased IMT, indicating a greater degree of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, in a multivariable analysis, SUA was found to be an independent predictor of IMT greater than 1mm, even after adjusting for other risk factors such as age, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose.

  • Key Finding: Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels correlate with increased intima-media thickness (IMT) in carotid arteries.
  • Study Population: 245 patients undergoing evaluation for atherosclerotic ischemic stroke.
  • Methodology: Carotid artery ultrasound to measure IMT and plaque severity; statistical analysis to determine the association between SUA and IMT.
  • Clinical Implication: SUA may serve as an independent predictor of carotid artery disease progression.
This research suggests that SUA may play a more significant role in the development of atherosclerosis than previously thought. While further studies are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, monitoring SUA levels may be a valuable tool in assessing cardiovascular risk, particularly in individuals with other risk factors for stroke and heart disease.

The Future of Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

The studies presented at Atherosclerosis 2018 highlight the potential of emerging biomarkers like uric acid and IL-17 to refine our understanding of cardiovascular risk. By incorporating these markers into risk assessment algorithms, clinicians may be able to identify individuals at increased risk of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome at an earlier stage. This, in turn, could lead to more targeted interventions, such as lifestyle modifications, medication, and closer monitoring, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of heart disease.

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

1

What is the significance of uric acid in relation to heart health, according to the studies mentioned?

The studies presented highlight a correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and the thickness of the carotid artery walls, measured by intima-media thickness (IMT). Higher SUA levels were associated with increased IMT, suggesting a greater degree of atherosclerosis. This research indicates that SUA may be an independent predictor of carotid artery disease progression, which underscores its potential significance in assessing cardiovascular risk, particularly in individuals with other risk factors.

2

How does interleukin-17 (IL-17) relate to the risk of developing heart disease?

While the text mainly focuses on uric acid, it introduces interleukin-17 (IL-17) as another biomarker potentially linked to cardiovascular disease. IL-17, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, has been implicated in autoimmune disorders and is suggested to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. However, the article does not provide detailed research findings on IL-17 like it does for uric acid, but only mentions it as an area of emerging research.

3

What specific method was used to investigate the link between uric acid and carotid artery disease?

The study used carotid artery ultrasound to measure intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque severity. The study involved 245 patients and categorized them based on the severity of carotid plaque. Statistical analysis was then performed to determine the association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and IMT. This methodology enabled researchers to find a linear correlation between SUA levels and IMT.

4

What are the potential implications of using uric acid and IL-17 as biomarkers for heart disease risk?

The research presented at Atherosclerosis 2018 suggests that uric acid and IL-17 have the potential to refine our understanding of cardiovascular risk. By incorporating these markers into risk assessment algorithms, clinicians could identify individuals at increased risk of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome earlier. This could lead to earlier interventions such as lifestyle modifications and medication. This could ultimately improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of heart disease.

5

Besides uric acid, what are some of the traditional risk factors mentioned for heart disease, and how do they compare to these newer biomarkers?

The text mentions that traditional risk factors for heart disease include high cholesterol, blood pressure, and family history. While these are well-established indicators, the newer biomarkers of uric acid and interleukin-17 (IL-17) offer additional insights into an individual's susceptibility to atherosclerosis. These biomarkers may provide an earlier way to assess the risk than traditional methods, potentially leading to timely interventions. They complement, rather than replace, the existing risk assessment tools.

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