Boston, Massachusetts – A recent study sheds light on the impact of maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle on biological aging and cardiovascular health. Research findings suggest that adopting heart-healthy behaviors can potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. The study, focusing on DNA methylation as a critical factor, emphasizes the significance of lifestyle modifications in promoting longevity and cardiovascular well-being.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, examined data from the Framingham Heart Study involving 5,682 adults. Researchers evaluated the participants using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 tool, which assesses key heart health lifestyle factors and biological age based on DNA methylation. The study found that higher scores on the Life’s Essential 8 tool were associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
DNA methylation, a process that regulates gene expression, was identified as a key mediator in the relationship between heart-healthy behaviors and cellular aging. The findings suggest that lifestyle choices and genetic factors can impact biological age and mortality risk. The study highlights the importance of maintaining healthy behaviors such as proper nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and tobacco cessation in promoting cardiovascular health.
Dr. Jiantao Ma, the senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of heart-healthy behaviors in reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death. The study revealed that improvements in lifestyle factors can lead to a younger biological age and lower the risk of cardiovascular events.
The research also indicated that individuals with a genetic predisposition to accelerated biological aging could benefit significantly from heart-healthy behaviors. The study showed that DNA methylation played a crucial role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality in these individuals. This highlights the potential of lifestyle modifications in mitigating the impact of genetic factors on health outcomes.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of heart-healthy behaviors in promoting cardiovascular health and longevity. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, individuals can positively influence their biological age and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. The findings provide valuable insights into the interplay between lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, and DNA methylation in determining health outcomes.