Study Reveals How Unhealthy Lifestyles Accelerate Heart Aging: Key Insights for a Healthier Future

Understanding heart health is evolving, and an exciting new method is emerging. Researchers are introducing the idea of measuring a heart’s “functional age” using MRI scans. This concept allows doctors to evaluate heart health in a simple way, helping to identify risks for heart disease early.

A recent study from the University of East Anglia highlights how this method can detect potential heart issues sooner. Published in the European Heart Journal, it revealed that the functional age of a heart could vary significantly from a person’s actual age, especially in those with conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Lead researcher Dr. Pankaj Garg noted that a 50-year-old with high blood pressure might have a heart that functions like it’s 55 years old. This means managing these conditions early on is crucial to prevent more serious complications.

Dr. Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist, emphasizes that chronological age doesn’t always reflect biological age, pointing out the uneven aging process of the heart. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, another expert, acknowledges that while there’s no universally accepted definition of heart age yet, this study is a significant step in assessing heart health.

To measure functional heart age, researchers analyzed how much blood remains in the heart’s left atrium after contractions. They found that patients with risk factors had an older functional heart age compared to healthy individuals.

Understanding your heart’s age could lead to better health strategies. It may encourage lifestyle changes that support heart health, such as improved diet and regular exercise. As Dr. Garg mentions, knowing your heart’s age could be a wake-up call and empower individuals to take better care of their cardiovascular health.

As people age, certain changes naturally occur in the heart. The heart may have extra beats or sometimes skip a beat, which can be normal unless frequent. The chambers can enlarge as the heart wall thickens, potentially affecting blood flow. Valves may also stiffen, possibly leading to issues like fluid buildup in the lungs or legs.

Health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can accelerate heart aging. According to the CDC, four major risks include:

• **High blood pressure**: Forces the heart to work harder, leading to potential damage.
• **Diabetes**: Can harm blood vessels, resulting in heart disease.
• **High LDL cholesterol**: Leads to plaque buildup in arteries, restricting blood flow.
• **Obesity**: Often linked to both hypertension and high cholesterol.

Currently, there isn’t a universal standard for measuring heart age, but tools like the Heart Age Calculator can provide estimates. While research continues, identifying heart age could lead to more personalized healthcare.

To maintain heart health, consider these practical tips:

Stay Active

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Small changes, like taking the stairs or walking during breaks, can contribute significantly.

Eat Well

Focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking harms your heart in multiple ways. If you smoke, seeking help to quit can reduce your heart disease risk.

Limit Alcohol

Stick to moderate drinking guidelines: one drink a day for women and two for men.

Manage Stress

Stress and mental health play a role in heart disease. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether that’s hobbies, scenic drives, or time with loved ones. Laughter can be beneficial too!

As our understanding of heart health deepens, knowing your heart’s functional age could be a powerful tool in promoting better health for years to come.

Source link

unhealthy lifestyles premature heart aging