Chinese scientists have made a major breakthrough by creating a vaccine that may prevent heart attacks and strokes. The vaccine is aimed at preventing the accumulation of fatty plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can cause severe health issues such as blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Atherosclerosis is among the major causes of death globally.

A recent study in the journal Nature demonstrates that the vaccine worked to curb plaque buildup in mice. Researchers at Nanjing University of Science and Technology say this may be a giant leap towards preventing heart disease in people. They wrote, “Our nano-vaccine design and preclinical data present a potential candidate for prophylactic treatment for atherosclerosis.”

What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis happens when fatty deposits and inflammation cause the arteries to harden and narrow, blocking blood flow. This can lead to serious issues like heart attacks, strokes, or aneurysms.

Physicians explain that the immune system of the body is a major factor in this condition. The body possesses two kinds of immune responses: the innate immune system, which comprises natural barriers and enzymes, and the adaptive immune system, which creates antibodies to combat diseases. If the arteries get too inflamed and blocked, physicians tend to treat it with surgery, like angioplasty, where stents are placed to keep the blood vessels open.

How does the vaccine work?

The vaccine is constructed with a "cocktail" strategy. It facilitates the body to uptake antigens and adjuvants, which in turn stimulate certain immune cells known as dendritic cells. This triggers T cells — white blood cells that assist the immune system — to produce antibodies against P210, a protein associated with plaque accumulation.

The vaccine combines the P210 antigen with small iron oxide nanoparticles and adds an adjuvant — something that enhances the immune reaction — to a second group of nanoparticles. Researchers hope learning how the vaccine functions will help make it safe and effective in humans.

“In studying the vaccinations against atherosclerosis, an ongoing challenge is deciphering the mechanism of action — a prerequisite for translation of a vaccination protocol to humans,” the research team explained.

Why are more young adults having heart attacks?

Over the last few years, there has been a sudden increase in heart attacks among young adults aged 30 and 40, particularly in India. According to a 2023 study, heart attacks accounted for up to 45% of deaths in individuals between the ages of 40 and 69.

Doctors indicate that a sedentary life, unhealthy diet, excessive blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes are key causes of this rise. Consuming excess junk foods, soft drinks, smoking, and alcoholism all put one at increased risk of heart ailment. Stress, environmental pollution, and exposure to toxic chemicals such as arsenic and lead are also contributing factors to adverse heart health.

Mental health is also a major factor. Research has indicated that young adults with depression are twice as likely to develop heart disease. Those with diabetes are also more likely — they are 2 to 4 times more likely to die from heart disease because high blood sugar hurts blood vessels, resulting in plaque buildup.

Did COVID-19 increase heart attack risks?

COVID-19 has also been associated with increased heart issues. Scientists estimate that about 4% of those who had COVID-19 will eventually develop complications in their hearts. As approximately 66% to 70% of the population in India has contracted COVID-19, this would leave a vast number of individuals susceptible.

Yet, an ICMR study could not establish any connection between COVID-19 vaccines and heart attacks. Individuals who received the vaccine were less prone to experience sudden cardiac issues than those who didn't get the vaccine.

How can young adults protect themselves?

Dr. Okaly, who is an expert in cardiology, says signs of a heart attack in young adults are not easy to spot. Some symptoms such as cold sweats, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, pain in the chest, and shortness of breath might be the warning signs.

Dr. Okaly advises young adults to measure their blood pressure regularly and recommends the QRisk3 score to check heart attack risks. “The risk score QRisk3 is the most suitable for Indians and is able to show the chances of having heart attacks in the next 10 years,” he said.

This new vaccinehas the potential to provide hope for preventing heart disease and saving lives. Yet, experts are calling for further research before it is made available for humans.

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