A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that adopting eight key heart-healthy habits can significantly slow biological aging and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. This research underscores how certain lifestyle changes can be particularly beneficial for individuals genetically predisposed to accelerated aging.
Biological age reflects the physiological condition of the body rather than chronological age. Individuals with a biological age that exceeds their chronological age are considered to be experiencing accelerated aging, which increases susceptibility to various health conditions, particularly cardiovascular issues. Accelerated aging can be influenced by both genetic factors and social determinants like access to healthcare.
The study, led by Jiantao Ma, PhD, an assistant professor at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, analyzed data from over 5,600 participants in the Framingham Heart Study. Participants, averaging 56 years old, were assessed for their adherence to eight lifestyle behaviors: diet, smoking status, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), sleep duration, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure. This evaluation was based on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 score, which ranges from 0 to 100.
Researchers tracked participants for 11 to 14 years, documenting occurrences of cardiovascular disease and mortality. The study found that each 13-point increase in the Life’s Essential 8 score correlated with a 35% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, a 36% reduction in cardiovascular mortality, and a 29% decrease in overall mortality. For individuals genetically prone to accelerated aging, improvements were even more pronounced: risks of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular death dropped by 39%, while overall mortality risk decreased by 78%.
Impact of Lifestyle Changes on Biological Age
The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can counteract some effects of accelerated aging and improve heart health. Ma emphasizes the importance of adopting and maintaining these healthy behaviors to reduce disease burden, regardless of one’s biological age.
However, the study does have limitations. Most participants were of predominantly European ancestry, which may affect the generalizability of the results. Additionally, while the research indicates that those with accelerated aging would benefit more from heart-healthy practices, there are currently no methods available for individuals to independently assess their genetic risk for accelerated aging.
Despite these limitations, the research contributes to a growing body of evidence linking biological aging to cardiovascular health. Experts, including Nieca Goldberg, MD, and Tamara Horwich, MD, highlight that understanding and implementing the Life’s Essential 8 habits can be a powerful tool in managing heart health and potentially extending lifespan.
