Oh and 90% of U.S. adults over 20 are at risk of heart disease.
What The American Heart Association Wants You To Know About The Heart- Brain Connection Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide for both men and women. And 90% of people 20+ in the U.S. have a risk factor for developing heart disease .
If that's not scary enough, the American Heart Association just released a scientific statement detailing a strong link between heart health and cognitive decline . So before we get into the nitty-gritty of how and why these chronic diseases are connected , there is hope. The gist of the statement is: There's strong evidence that preventing and treating heart diseases early can help protect cognitive function with age. Now, let's get into the heart-brain connection and break down how common types of heart disease influence memory and brain health. The connection between the heart and the brain Everything in the body is connected—including these two vital organs. The nervous system helps regulate the heart, and the circulatory system is responsible for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the brain . The brain has a very intricate system of blood vessels that ensure it receives the oxygen and nutrients needed to function properly. But these blood vessels are small, fragile, and especially vulnerable to wear and tear.As these blood vessels are part of the circulatory system, changes in the heart or vascular function, in general, impact the brain. Knowing this, it's not overly surprising that heart disease and cognitive decline share several risk factors. These include: This new statement by the AHA details specific links between heart disease—heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease —and brain damage. Heart failure Heart failure is a serious condition in which the heart is not able to keep up with its workload and pump enough blood and oxygen throughout the body. This suboptimal blood flow is linked to some vascular changes in the brain, but research indicates it doesn't account for all brain changes. Studies indicate that changes in the heart structure of heart failure patients is independently linked to cognitive decline—suggesting that other factors like inflammation or even genetics may play a role. Atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular heartbeat. Previous studies indicate that people with atrial fibrillation have a 39% higher risk of cognitive impairment than the general population. This condition is even linked to dementia in folks who have never had a stroke . The authors of this new statement cite that both atrial fibrillation and dementia involve similar inflammatory processes. This inflammation can damage blood vessels, activate platelets, and increase the likelihood of clotting. This inflammation and the resulting vascular changes can worsen both the heart and brain. Coronary heart disease CHD occurs when the heart's blood supply is blocked or reduced by plaque buildup . Research also indicates that inflammation stemming from CHD can damage the brain, specifically by weakening the blood-brain barrier . If this barrier is damaged, more harmful substances can enter the brain and trigger inflammation. Not to mention, reduced blood flow to the heart can also lead to atrial fibrillation and its associated cognitive risks. Prevention is key Overall, early detection of heart problems and risk factors of heart problems are key to protecting your heart and your brain in the long run. Don't skip your yearly physical and always opt to get blood work to monitor risk factors. It's estimated that over 80% of heart disease and stroke is preventable through lifestyle. Here's just a quick list of habits that can help: The takeaway A healthy heart equals a healthy brain. Lifestyle plays a huge role in maintaining the health and function of both organs, and the actions you take now can have a significant impact on your well-being and longevity.
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