Title: American Heart Association study shows lifestyle changes can slow biological aging
A recent study conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA) has found that making several specific lifestyle changes can slow biological aging by six years. The study has also highlighted the importance of improved heart health to help slow down the aging process, which in turn reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and other medical issues.
The AHA promotes a program called “Life’s Essential 8,” which focuses on key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Nour Makarem, PhD, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City, and the senior study author emphasized that improving heart health through healthy lifestyle changes can lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease while also slowing down the rate of biological aging, increasing the number of years lived in good health.
Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist and chief medical officer, not involved in the AHA’s study, confirmed that the data suggests that individuals who focus on health tend to do better clinically, and there are many health benefits to following a healthy lifestyle.
The AHA tracks phenotypic age, a practical tool to assess the body’s biological aging process that predicts future risk of disease and death. Makarem noted that a dose-response relationship was observed, meaning that as heart health improves, biological aging slows down. Even gradual improvements in lifestyle behaviors can be beneficial, promoting healthy longevity.
The study, involving over 6,500 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), showed that those with high cardiovascular health had a younger physiological age, compared to those with poor heart health. According to an example cited in the AHA’s study, the average actual age of those with high cardiovascular health was 41, while their average biological age was 36. The opposite was true for those with poor heart health as the average actual age was 53, and their average biological age was 57.
The AHA identified eight lifestyle behaviors for optimal heart health: following a healthy sleep schedule, not smoking, getting regular physical activity, adhering to a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, maintaining healthy blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and maintaining healthy blood pressure. The instant findings reinforce the importance of following a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and monitoring cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure for a healthier and longer life.
Dr. Ernst von Schwarz, a cardiologist who practices in Culver City, California, stressed that aside from the Essential 8, social and spiritual fulfillment is essential to achieve longevity. Moreover, advances in anti-aging research provide ways to delay or even inhibit cellular deterioration, offering a hope to live healthier longer.
According to Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, a past volunteer president of the AHA, understanding the link between chronological and biological age and following healthy lifestyle habits can help us live longer. “Everyone wants to live healthier longer to enjoy a good quality of life for as many years as possible,” he added.
For individuals who are interested in learning more about these findings, the details of the AHA study will be presented at the AHA’s Scientific Sessions 2023 from Nov. 11-13 in Philadelphia. For more information on health-related articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.