New Research Finds Link Between Strong Heart Health and Slower Biological Aging
New research has revealed a compelling connection between cardiovascular health and the process of biological aging. The study, which analyzed data from 6,500 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, found that adults with high cardiovascular health appeared to be biologically younger than their chronological age.
According to the findings, individuals with high cardiovascular health were estimated to be about 6 years younger biologically compared to their actual age. Moreover, the study demonstrated a dose-dependent association, meaning that as heart health improved, biological aging decreased. On the other hand, individuals with lower levels of heart health were biologically older than anticipated.
To determine the levels of heart health, researchers employed the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” checklist, which comprises various lifestyle behaviors such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, quitting tobacco, and managing weight, among others. The study highlighted that adhering to these lifestyle habits and improving cardiovascular health could decelerate the aging process and yield several benefits.
The research emphasized that by following these recommendations, individuals could experience a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, as well as enjoy a longer lifespan and a reduced risk of death. However, it’s important to note that the study’s limitations included the measurement of cardiovascular metrics only once, preventing a determination of long-term impacts.
These findings are particularly significant as they underscore the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors to promote overall well-being. By prioritizing habits outlined in the “Life’s Essential 8” checklist, individuals can increase their chances of living longer and maintaining a higher quality of life.
Funded by the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health, this preliminary study will be presented at the AHA’s Scientific Sessions in 2023. The research opens up new avenues for further investigation into the relationship between heart health and biological aging, potentially paving the way for innovative approaches to enhance overall health and well-being.
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