It’s quite simple.
Maintaining a lifestyle conducive to heart health not only significantly reduces the likelihood of developing heart disease and stroke but also diminishes the risk of kidney disease, according to preliminary findings from a recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention│Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago. Although the research has yet to undergo peer review and publication, its insights are noteworthy.
The study underscores the multifaceted benefits of physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, abstaining from smoking, and managing key health indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Additionally, it highlights the robust connection between heart and kidney health, with most risk factors for cardiovascular disease also correlating with kidney ailments, as elucidated by Dr. Arun Manmadhan, an assistant professor of cardiology at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Conducted by South Korean researchers over a 12-year period and involving approximately 4 million adults under 40, the study revealed that individuals with “ideal” cardiovascular health exhibited a 65% lower likelihood of developing heart or kidney disease or experiencing a stroke compared to those with low heart health scores. Dr. Hokyou Lee, a lead study author from Yonsei University College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of addressing both diseases simultaneously, given their frequent coexistence and mutual exacerbation.
Remarkably, individuals with initially poor heart health scores who actively improved their cardiovascular health also experienced a reduction in disease risk compared to those with persistently low scores. Dr. Manmadhan stresses the imperative of maintaining lifelong cardiovascular health, highlighting the gradual decrease in cardiovascular and kidney disease risk as heart health scores improve.
Despite the rarity of ideal heart health scores among study participants, the research underscores the significance of promoting heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors early in life to foster longer, healthier lifespans. Dr. Basit, a cardiologist with the Memorial Hermann Medical Group, reinforces the interplay between high blood pressure, a renowned precursor to cardiovascular disease, and kidney ailments, advocating for proactive screening and targeted interventions to mitigate both risks.
In addressing the interconnectedness of heart and kidney health, medical centers like Columbia University Irving Medical Center offer specialized cardionephrology practices, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between these vital organs. Dr. Basit advocates for heightened awareness and proactive measures, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing kidney health alongside cardiovascular well-being through comprehensive screening and holistic treatment approaches.
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