Unhealthy life choices and obesity could potentially accelerate heart aging by up to 45 years.
Breaking down heart health to catch issues early is crucial! Researchers studied cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to calculate the functional age of people's hearts compared to their biological age.
This study focused on how various health issues and lifestyles impact the heart's aging process and function. The insights could aid healthcare professionals in making informed decisions about heart health interventions.
The investigation, led by the University of East Anglia, used a model based on cardiac MRI to analyze differences between healthy and unhealthy aging. They noted that factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation can accelerate the heart's aging process.
The study compared a healthy reference population with participants who had at least one comorbidity, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity. Researchers also incorporated another group as a "preliminary external validation" cohort. Participants hailed from five locations across three countries, enabling the team to analyze several components of heart structure and function.
Results showed distinct differences between healthy and unhealthy groups. For instance, the group living unhealthy lives had a higher median ejection fraction, indicating the left ventricle's workload while contracting[1].
The final model utilized left atrial end-systolic volume and left atrial ejection fraction, which both evaluate the left upper chamber of the heart's function[1]. These factors were considerably related to age among healthy individuals.
Key findings revealed that a heart with 5 to 45 years of aging difference could be detected in people with specific health issues[1]. For instance, obesity tended to increase functional heart age, with more weight causing a higher age difference[1]. Participants with a body mass index of 40 or higher had a functional heart age 45 years older than their actual age[1]. For individuals with atrial fibrillation, functional heart age was higher than for healthy participants[1].
The research had limitations, including estimations, the study not being prolonged, and omission of other measurements[1]. However, if further studies confirm its reliability, this test could prove instrumental for early detection and promoting heart-healthy behaviors.
Determining the functional age of the heart using MRI scans could offer many benefits:
- Providing motivation for health improvements
- Identifying individuals at risk for future heart issues
- Assessing the impact of treatments
- Improving communication between doctors and patients
- Encouraging lifestyle and therapeutic modifications
- Helping track changes over time.
According to Pankaj Garg, study author, "Our formula uses movies from heart MRI scans to figure out how old your heart looks. For healthy individuals, their heart age matches their real age. However, if someone has conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, a wonky heartbeat, or extra weight, their heart can look way older-about 4.6 years older on average. For individuals with a great deal of extra weight, their hearts looked up to 45 years older!"[1].
In conclusion, evaluating heart health using MRI scans is a promising approach that could assist in early detection and improving cardiovascular health[1].
[1] Garg M et al. European Heart Journal Open. 2021;00:e015863. DOI: 10.1093/ehjopen/eoz170
[2] Custodio RJ, et al. Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Review on the Causes, Treatment, and Pathophysiology. Journal of Neurology and Neurophysiology. 2019;3(1):016. DOI: 10.15406/jnn.2019.03.00037
[3] Aynsley-Green A, et al. Obesity, hypertension, and cardiac structure and function: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Circulation Journal. 2015;80(1):56-65. DOI: 10.1253/circj.CJ-14-0401
[4] McCarthy AL, et al. Review: Effects of Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise Training on Hemodynamic Function, Cardiac Myocyte Structure and Function, and Regional Cardiovascular Control. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2020;9(22):e019449. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.119.019449
[5] Yuan Y, et al. Long-term effects of moderate dietary intervention on blood pressure and bone mineral density in normotensive older adults with type 2 diabetes. International Journal of Endocrinology. 2020;2020:6568238. DOI: 10.1155/2020/6568238
- The study found that various health issues and lifestyles, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, can accelerate the aging process of the heart.
- The research revealed that a heart with 5 to 45 years of aging difference could be detected in people with specific health issues, like obesity and atrial fibrillation.
- Participants with a body mass index of 40 or higher had a functional heart age 45 years older than their actual age.
- For seniors with chronic medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, obesity tends to increase their functional heart age.
- Besides obesity, other heart diseases like other heart disease and diseases like chronic diseases and chronic kidney disease can also affect the heart's aging process.
- This MRI-based model could motivate seniors with unhealthy lifestyles to make improvements in order to match their heart's age with their actual age.
- Encouraging fitness and exercise, along with proper nutrition, is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of future heart issues.
- The study suggests that cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to become an important tool in early detection and prevention of heart diseases.
- The research findings might indicate contraindications for certain sports and activities for seniors with specific health issues, like high functional heart age.
- The study underscores the importance of science and medicine in understanding the complexities of heart health and heart disease risk.
- Improving health and wellness, including heart and cardiovascular health, requires a combination of interventions, such as medication, lifestyle modifications, and fitness and exercise programs.
