Adopting heart-healthy behaviors might reverse the ageing process in cells, according to research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAMA). In this study 5682 adults were analyzed, among which more than half were female with an average age of 56. The scientists used a combination of interviews, physical exams, laboratory tests, and assessments utilizing the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 tool. This guideline incorporates information from dietary intake, physical activity, hours slept per night, smoking status, body mass index, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and blood pressure to determine a score that indicates cardiovascular health. The scientists also estimated biological age based on DNA methylation and assessed a person’s genetic tendency toward accelerated biological age.Â
Some people believe that their heart disease or diabetes is linked to poor genetics, but this study showed the opposite. Taking care of one’s body slows down the burden ageing takes on the body. The study showed that people with a higher genetic risk who followed Life’s Essential 8 improved their cardiovascular health immensely more than those who did not have the genetic risk. DNA methylation regulates gene expression and is considered a potential biomarker for estimating biological ageing, which is determined by genetic makeup, lifestyle factors, and stress. Biological ageing is thought to increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.Â
The study participants were followed for 11 to 14 years and monitored for new-onset heart disease, cardiovascular death, or death from any cause. It was concluded that each 13-point increase in Life’s Essential 8 score did reduce the risk of new-onset cardiovascular disease by 35% and death from any cause by 29%. Experts say making lifestyle changes is important and is always the first step to controlling cardiovascular disease.Â
This study also suggests that maintaining good cardiovascular health may alter DNA methylation, a key process that may affect how cells age, to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. This study didn’t care how someone improved their cardiovascular health. Doctors who analyzed the study say that changing lifestyle factors is always where one should start. However, when improvement is not forthcoming, medication might be necessary. But medicine doesn’t take the place of lifestyle factors – it adds to them. People should continue exercising and eating right while keeping up with medication.Â
Journal Reference – Carbonneau, M., Li, Y., Prescott, B., Liu, C., Huan, T., Joehanes, R., … Ma, J. (2024). Journal of the American Heart Association. doi:10.1161/jaha.123.032743
