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That conclusion comes from a study of nearly half a million adults in the UK, led by researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) and Imperial College London. The researchers believe it is the largest study of its kind. Their findings suggest that chronic inflammation, which is associated with lifestyle and socioeconomic circumstances, may contribute to harmful changes in the heart’s structure. It was also linked to a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. Importantly, these changes may begin years before a person notices any cardiovascular symptoms, allowing the damage to build silently over time.