Tengrinews.kz - Some chronic conditions can accelerate the biological aging of the heart, according to a study by British researchers.
What the study showed
Scientists from the University of East Anglia, together with colleagues from other universities, conducted a large-scale study involving more than 39,000 participants. Volunteers were divided into groups based on their health status — from completely healthy individuals to those living with chronic illnesses.
The results showed that participants with metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension experienced significantly faster heart aging. These individuals showed reduced tissue elasticity, impaired blood pumping function, and a higher risk of heart failure.
The three key diseases that age the heart:
- Obesity
Excess body weight increases the load on the heart, impairs blood circulation, and leads to chronic inflammation of blood vessels.
- Type 2 diabetes
Elevated blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and speed up the deterioration of the heart muscle.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Constant high blood pressure thickens the heart walls and disrupts normal blood flow.
What can be done?
It is possible not only to slow down the heart’s biological aging but even to partially “reverse the clock” by keeping three things under control: blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight. Managing chronic conditions isn’t just about treating symptoms. It’s an investment in your body’s youth.
Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to monitor the cardiovascular system in great detail. And if you want your heart at 50 to perform as well as it did at 30, it’s worth starting with small steps: healthy eating, regular physical activity, and routine checkups.
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