New research suggests that better heart-healthy behaviors and managing heart disease risk factors are associated with a younger biological age and lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and death. The heart-healthy behaviors included “dietary intake, physical activity, hours slept per night and smoking status) and four clinical measurements (body mass index, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure.” The study analyzed DNA methylation levels — a biomarker of biological age — and found that for every 13-point increase in the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health score, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease was reduced by about 35%, cardiovascular death by 36%, and death from any cause by 29%. DNA methylation accounted for 20-40% of this association, with a stronger effect seen in those genetically predisposed to accelerated biological aging. The findings highlight how cardiovascular health impacts biological aging and has implications for healthy aging and disease prevention. The study was limited to participants of European ancestry, so results may not generalize to other racial/ethnic groups.
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Heart-Healthy Behaviors May Help Reverse Rapid Cell Aging
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The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.