A recent study has found a correlation between improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of developing heart disease. People with a family history of cardiovascular disease were shown to decrease their risk by two times compared to those without a genetic risk factor. Researchers also discovered that adopting heart-healthy behaviors can slow the biological aging process and potentially reverse it in cells. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, involved 5,682 adults who were assessed using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 tool, which looks at various factors such as diet, physical activity, sleep, smoking status, and more to determine cardiovascular health.
The researchers found that higher scores on the Life’s Essential 8 tool were associated with a reduced risk of new-onset cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, and death from any cause. Participants with a higher genetic risk of accelerated aging had a particularly strong association between their Life’s Essential 8 score and cardiovascular health. DNA methylation, which regulates gene expression, was used to estimate biological aging in the participants, with higher epigenetic age correlating to a higher burden of cardiovascular disease. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of maintaining good cardiovascular health through lifestyle factors to lower the risk of heart disease and improve overall health outcomes.
Experts emphasize the significance of making lifestyle changes as the first step in controlling cardiovascular disease. While medication may be necessary in some cases, it should complement rather than replace healthy habits such as exercise and a balanced diet. Early treatment for cardiovascular disease is crucial in stopping its progression before it becomes severe. The study’s findings support the idea that better heart-healthy behaviors and managing risk factors like weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels can lead to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and related complications. Maintaining good cardiovascular health may also impact DNA methylation, affecting how cells age and potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Aside from chest pain, other early warning signs of cardiovascular disease include symptoms such as a racing heart, fainting or near-fainting episodes, shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs. Understanding these signs and paying attention to any changes in one’s physical condition is crucial for early detection and intervention. It is important for individuals to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that limit their daily activities or cause concern. By being proactive about heart health and adopting heart-healthy behaviors, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and improve their overall quality of life.
