Heart Health Plays a Major Role in Longevity

In a large study of British men, those with the highest cholesterol levels at age 50 had almost two years less life expectancy than men with the lowest levels.

The finding was part of a follow-up to the Whitehall study, which obtained health data on 19,000 civil servants starting in 1967. Researchers collected data on the survivors 38 years later, and, in their analysis, concluded that three key risk factors, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, occurring together in men at age 50 reduced lifespan by about 10 years compared with men without these risk factors.

Source: Remedy Life

Take Heart

If you have RA, you should keep tabs on your heart health, even though it’s a challenge to find the time or emotional resources to take on another set of health worries. Mayo Clinic researchers have found that among most 60 to 69 year olds who are newly diagnosed with RA there is a 20 percent chance of developing a serious cardiovascular condition. People without RA have less than half the risk. “These results emphasize the importance of performing a comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment for all newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients,” says Sherine Gabriel, M.D., the study’s senior author and Mayo Clinic rheumatologist and epidemiologist.

Source: Health Insider

Why Exercise Improves Heart Function

Most people would agree that exercise is good for the heart. With the right type of exercise, the heart pumps more blood and becomes more efficient. During relaxation, the heart fills with blood. When the heart pumps, the blood is expelled to the body.

Exercise increases muscle contraction, and this pushes blood toward the heart. The heart rate will increase at this time. A fast heart rate without exercise is of no benefit. This results from emotional responses. The heart gets strong from exercise by pushing against larger volumes of blood. The heart is a muscle, and can atrophy from lack of exercise. Exercising for 20 minutes, 3 times per week, can be of great benefit. Always consult a physician before starting an exercise program.