• Pressure overload, activates the inflammasome in the heart following stimulation of b-adrenergic receptors, resulting in higher levels of NLRP3, ASC and IL-18 from myocardial cells• Cardiac arrhythmias• IL-1β and IL-18 have been associated with hypertension. The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.