Researchers from Högskolan Dalarna and the Karolinska Institutet have reviewed 18 international studies and published the results in the journal Pain, according to Forskning.se.
They examined a potential connection between pain and disease.
The researchers combined the findings and conducted new calculations across the studies.
The focus is on individuals who have experienced pain in multiple parts of the body for at least three months without a clear cause.
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This type of pain is often compared to fibromyalgia, according to Högskolan Dalarna.
Twice the risk
People with long-term body pain have nearly twice the risk of developing a heart attack or stroke compared with individuals without pain, the study shows.
When it comes to the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, the results are more uncertain. Some studies indicate an increased risk, but not all point in the same direction.
At the same time, this type of pain is not yet included in official guidelines for assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Possible implications for treatment
The researchers believe that healthcare systems should pay greater attention to individuals with long-term pain.
This could, for example, mean more frequent monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels in this group.
Early detection is important, as many cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through treatment and lifestyle changes.
Sources: Forskning.se and Pain.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.