Chronic inflammation is not an acute process with fever and pain, but a hidden condition that can develop for years without obvious symptoms. It is the underlying cause of most metabolic disorders, hormonal disruptions, and chronic diseases.
The problem is that standard tests often do not reveal this condition. Leukocytes and basic indicators may remain normal while systemic inflammation is already actively affecting the body.
Why standard tests do not detect inflammation
Common markers, such as leukocytes, respond to acute processes. Chronic inflammation behaves differently:
- it is weak but constant;
- the body adapts to it;
- indicators remain within normal limits.
As a result, an illusion of health is created, even though the system is already overloaded.
Homocysteine — a marker of damage and inflammation
Homocysteine is one of the key indicators that reflects not only the metabolism of B vitamins but also the level of inflammatory processes.
Its elevation is associated with:
- damage to the vascular wall;
- oxidative stress;
- metabolic disorders.
Example: homocysteine — 11–14 μmol/L. This is already a sign of chronic inflammation, even in the absence of symptoms.
Optimal values: 6–8 μmol/L.
Cortisol — an indicator of chronic stress
Cortisol is the hormone of adaptation. Its level reflects the state of the body: recovery or constant tension.
In chronic inflammation, elevated cortisol or its instability is often observed.
Example:
- cortisol is elevated in the morning;
- there is fatigue and sleep problems.
This indicates chronic stress and system overload.
Another option: cortisol is low. This may indicate depletion of adaptive resources.
Omega-3 index — a marker of inflammatory balance
Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in regulating inflammatory processes. Their level in cell membranes directly affects the intensity of inflammation.
Example: Omega-3 index — below 4%. This condition indicates chronic inflammation and increased tissue vulnerability.
Optimal values: 8–12%. This indicates resistance to inflammatory processes.
ATPO — a marker of autoimmune inflammation
Antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (ATPO) reflect the activity of the immune system against its own tissues.
Even a slight increase may indicate:
- autoimmune processes;
- chronic inflammation;
- disruption of immune regulation.
Example:
- ATPO — above reference;
- TSH is normal.
This is an early stage of the problem that is often ignored.
How to combine indicators
To assess chronic inflammation, it is important to look at the system:
- homocysteine — damage and metabolic stress;
- cortisol — level of load and adaptation;
- Omega-3 — anti-inflammatory potential;
- ATPO — activity of the immune system.
Example of a comprehensive picture:
- homocysteine — 12;
- cortisol is elevated;
- Omega-3 — 3.8%;
- ATPO — slightly elevated.
This indicates systemic chronic inflammation, even if standard tests are “normal”.
Common mistakes. When assessing inflammation, the following mistakes often hinder the process:
- focusing on leukocytes as the main marker of inflammation;
- ignoring homocysteine;
- lack of assessment of Omega-3;
- ignoring early autoimmune markers;
- assessing indicators separately.
Main principle. Chronic inflammation is not an indicator but a state of the system. It is not determined by a single test. Only a combination of markers allows the problem to be seen before it manifests clinically.
Sources
- An hsCRP Test Can Add Clarity to Your Heart Health Picture: American Heart Association
- 2025 ACC Scientific Statement on Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease
- Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hypothyroidism in Adults: Cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: American Thyroid Association
- Atherogenic Effect of Homocysteine, a Biomarker of Inflammation and Its Treatment
- The Omega-3 Index: Clinical Utility for Therapeutic Intervention
