Maintaining high cardiovascular health can lead to slower biological aging and a longer, healthier life, as per a study set to be presented at the AHA’s Scientific Sessions 2023. The study observed that higher scores on the Life’s Essential 8 checklist correlated with a biological age up to six years younger than one’s actual age.
This analysis, including over 6,500 adults, revealed a clear link between high cardiovascular health – as outlined by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 checklist – and slower biological aging. After adjusting for socioeconomic factors, it was observed that adults with high cardiovascular health were roughly six years younger biologically than their chronological age.
Research delivers fresh insights into the benefits of cardiovascular health on aging. Having high cardiovascular health can potentially slow down biological aging, consequently reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular and other age-related diseases, which in turn extends life. This study is slated to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023, which is taking place November 11-13 in Philadelphia. It is a premier global platform that shares the latest scientific advancements, research, and clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science.
The study delves into the association between heart and brain health, as quantified by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 checklist, and the biological aging process, as measured by phenotypic age. Instead of relying on a calendar for chronological age, phenotypic age is a robust measure of biological age, calculated based on one’s chronological age in conjunction with the results of nine blood markers. This method accounts for metabolism, inflammation, and organ function. Among these blood markers are glucose, C-reactive protein, and creatinine. The difference between a person’s phenotypic age and their actual age is known as phenotypic age acceleration, with a higher value suggesting faster biological aging.
The key findings of the study point to the impact of cardiovascular health on biological age. Participants with high cardiovascular health had a negative phenotypic age acceleration, indicating that they were biologically younger than expected. Conversely, individuals with low cardiovascular health had a positive phenotypic age acceleration, meaning they were biologically older than expected.
More adherence to the Life’s Essential 8 metrics and improving cardiovascular health are associated with a slower aging process and a range of benefits. A reduction in biological aging not only correlates with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease but is also demonstrative of a longer life and lower risk of death.
The study, comprising adults between the ages of 37 and 53, showed that those with the highest Life’s Essential 8 score (high cardiovascular health) possessed a biological age that is approximately six years younger than their actual age, when compared to those with the lowest score (low cardiovascular health).
This research serves to enhance our understanding of the link between chronological age and biological age, emphasizing how adhering to healthy lifestyle habits can prolong life. On the other hand, preserving good cardiovascular health could lead to an improved quality of life for a longer period of time. This research was funded by the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health.
In summary, engaging in routines and habits that optimize cardiovascular health is intrinsically linked to reducing the pace of biological aging, thus extending the lifespan and enhancing health and wellness.
