A study by researchers at the University of Colorado at Denver found that defaulting on a loan and taking out a new loan in middle age increases the risk of heart disease.
United States, First Published May 5, 2022, 8:48 PM IST
How would you feel if you heard that those who took out an education loan to complete their education, or did not repay the loan, were at increased risk for heart disease? It can feel shocking and surprising at the same time. The findings are based on a new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine on Tuesday. The study found that people who take out an education loan and do not repay it are at higher risk for heart disease. A study by researchers at the University of Colorado at Denver found that defaulting on a loan and taking out a new loan in middle age increases the risk of heart disease. The researchers point out that the pressure of borrowing is actually far greater than the benefits of higher education.
Adam Libert, chief researcher, told the Southwest News Service that students and their families would have to pay more for their education and continuing needs as the cost of college education increased. This huge financial burden is a very familiar fact to Americans. However, he explained that this obligation has long-term consequences for health. Libert also pointed out that previous research has shown that the heavy burden of providing education loans can lead to mental health problems in the United States.
New research shows that people who wait until middle age without paying off debt during adolescence are more likely to develop heart disease. It is considered to be the most deadly health condition in the world. In the US alone, 659,000 people succumb to heart disease each year, or one in four. The researchers also found that the health of individuals who have already repaid their loans is better than that of people who have never taken out an education loan. The research was conducted by dividing individuals into four groups. It is divided into those who have never had an education loan (37%), those who have repaid an education loan (12%), new borrowers (28%) and those who are always in debt (24%).
Using the National Lom Gitidinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health Data, we analyzed more than 20,000 individuals aged 12 to 44 years. Lippert’s research team used the Framingham Risk Measurement Tool to estimate heart disease risk over the next 30 years, taking into account age, gender, blood pressure, body mass index, smoking status, and diabetes diagnosis. The researchers also looked at the level of C-reactive protein in the blood. People who do not repay their loans are found to have a higher risk score. At the same time, research has shown that the risk score for debtors is much lower.
Researcher Adam M. Snyder, of the Department of Sociology at the University of Colorado at Denver, who led the research, said reducing the cost of college education or easing student debt is important for young people’s mental and physical health. Says Libert.
Last Updated May 5, 2022, 9:08 PM IST
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