What if I told you that the two biggest killers in the world aren’t what you might expect? It’s not gun violence, accidents, or even COVID-19. The top two killers are actually cardiovascular disease and cancer. These two diseases combined account for nearly 50% of deaths in the U.S.
At first glance, cardiovascular disease and cancer may seem completely different. But recent discoveries have revealed surprising parallels between the origins and development of these two diseases. This means that treatments designed for one may also be effective against the other.
As a biomedical engineer with over two decades of experience, I’ve been studying and developing ways to improve drug delivery in the body. And it turns out that tiny, engineered nanoparticles that can target specific immune cells might hold the key to treating both cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease and cancer
Atherosclerosis is the deadliest form of cardiovascular disease. It occurs when inflammation and the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other lipids in the blood vessel wall form a plaque. Most heart attacks are caused by plaque rupture. The body’s attempt to heal the wound can lead to a blood clot that blocks blood vessels and results in a heart attack.
On the other hand, cancer usually arises from genetic mutations that cause cells to divide uncontrollably. Unrestrained and rapid cell growth can be devastating, as it’s difficult to stop without harming healthy organs. Cancer can develop in any organ of the body.
Despite their apparent differences, cardiovascular disease and cancer share many risk factors. Obesity, smoking, chronic stress, and poor lifestyle choices like an unhealthy diet are all linked to both diseases. But why do these two diseases have similar risk factors?
Many of the similarities between cardiovascular disease and cancer can be attributed to inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a
