Health
Lifestyle Determines Cardio Risk
Researchers have been saying for years that childhood factors such as birth weight, early illnesses and socioeconomic conditions are good predictors as to whether you'll get cardiovascular disease later in life. Well, not any more.
The latest twist on the matter suggests what you do as a ThirdAger is a better way to indicate whether you'll get cardiovascular disease. A study from the University of Newcastle, published in the British Medical Journal, says middle-age lifestyles, including diet and exercise practices, are more important when determining risk.
Dr. Douglas Lamont and his colleagues studied 154 men and 193 women, ages 49 to 51. The thickness of their carotid arteries was measured -- the thicker the artery wall the higher the risk, the report indicates. The researchers then put the scientific readings into context with early life factors and adult experiences, including smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and exercise.
The study finds the adult lifestyle and biological risk markers -- such as obesity and high blood pressure -- have a greater effect on the thickness of the carotid artery walls during middle age. The authors suggest, while it's a good idea to promote good maternal and child health, the main focus needs to be on lifestyles of ThirdAge adults.
The latest twist on the matter suggests what you do as a ThirdAger is a better way to indicate whether you'll get cardiovascular disease. A study from the University of Newcastle, published in the British Medical Journal, says middle-age lifestyles, including diet and exercise practices, are more important when determining risk.
Dr. Douglas Lamont and his colleagues studied 154 men and 193 women, ages 49 to 51. The thickness of their carotid arteries was measured -- the thicker the artery wall the higher the risk, the report indicates. The researchers then put the scientific readings into context with early life factors and adult experiences, including smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and exercise.
The study finds the adult lifestyle and biological risk markers -- such as obesity and high blood pressure -- have a greater effect on the thickness of the carotid artery walls during middle age. The authors suggest, while it's a good idea to promote good maternal and child health, the main focus needs to be on lifestyles of ThirdAge adults.
