If you take care of your heart to reduce the risk of heart disease, you’re also taking care of your brain.
Brain and heart health are closely linked, and new research suggests that a heart attack can lead to faster mental decline over time.
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Managing heart disease risk factors to prevent a heart attack is good for your brain. There are many links between heart disease risk factors and diminished brain health. Now this study shows that a heart attack can ultimately boost the risk for expedited cognitive decline.
Researchers set out to analyze the short- and long-term impacts of a heart attack on brain health by looking at data from more than 31,000 Americans who took part in six long-term studies between 1971 and 2017. The median age at the start of the studies was 60.
Each had an assessment of their thinking and memory skills and had no history of heart attack or a dementia diagnosis. Participants were then followed for 5-20 years, and more than 1,000 experienced a heart attack during that period.
The researchers found that people who had suffered heart attacks experienced significantly faster declines in memory; skills involved in planning; organizing; focusing; making complex decisions; and overall ability to perform daily activities compared to those who did not have a heart attack.
These declines, however, did not happen immediately. They happened over time, which fits with the reality that dementia does not just appear one day. It is a slow process.
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There are several potential reasons for the links between heart and brain health. One could be ongoing damage to the brain caused by silent strokes. Another could be a lack of nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood flow; mini-clots could play a role.
Other recent data shows that brain changes are being identified in younger middle-aged people if they’ve had high blood pressure for an extended period.
In short, it is essential to take care of your heart if you’re concerned about brain health.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
