Maintaining good cardiovascular health is essential for reducing the risk of developing heart disease, according to a new study. Researchers found that individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease can lower their risk by two times by following heart-healthy behaviors. These behaviors include incorporating dietary intake, physical activity, hours of sleep, smoking status, body mass index, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and blood pressure into their daily routine. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, looked at 5,682 adults and found that adopting these behaviors could reverse the aging process at a cellular level.
The participants in the study were monitored for 11 to 14 years, and the researchers found that each 13-point increase in the Life’s Essential 8 score reduced the risk of new-onset cardiovascular disease by 35%, cardiovascular disease by 36%, and death from any cause by 29%. Furthermore, participants with a higher risk of accelerated aging saw the most significant benefits in terms of DNA methylation. The study also found that participants with a higher genetic risk of accelerated aging had a 40% association between their Life’s Essential 8 score and cardiovascular health. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining heart-healthy behaviors to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health.
According to Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, a cardiologist and lipidologist, the study’s results challenge the belief that genetics alone determine an individual’s risk of heart disease. He emphasized that taking care of oneself through healthy lifestyle choices can significantly impact cardiovascular health and even slow down the aging process at a genetic level. Dr. Chen, an interventional cardiologist, added that lifestyle factors play a crucial role in changing DNA and affecting biological age. He stressed the importance of sharing this information with patients to encourage them to adopt heart-healthy behaviors.
Although the study had some limitations, such as using previously collected health data and focusing primarily on participants of white European ethnicity, the findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between lifestyle factors, DNA methylation, and cardiovascular health. Experts recommend making lifestyle changes as the first step in controlling cardiovascular disease. While medications may be necessary in some cases, lifestyle factors remain essential in managing heart health. It is crucial for individuals to be proactive in monitoring their heart health and seeking medical attention if they experience any warning signs of cardiovascular disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling in the legs.
In conclusion, maintaining good cardiovascular health through heart-healthy behaviors can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall health. This study emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to care for your heart and highlights the link between lifestyle factors, DNA methylation, and biological aging. By incorporating dietary intake, physical activity, and other heart-healthy behaviors into daily routines, individuals can reduce their risk of developing heart disease and improve their quality of life. Listening to one’s body and seeking medical attention for any concerning symptoms is crucial in early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Thus, making heart-healthy choices is key to living a longer, healthier life.
