Khaberni - A recent study has revealed that continual worry about finances and securing food accelerates the aging of the heart muscle and blood vessels at rates that sometimes surpass known traditional risk factors.
Researchers clarified that economic pressures are not just a psychological burden, but a "biological trigger" that alters the efficiency of the circulatory system and its response to physical exertion.
A comprehensive analysis of more than 280,000 individuals
Researchers examined data from over 280,000 adults who completed detailed surveys about social and economic factors in their lives, along with clinical assessments of their heart health. The research team focused on the concept of "vascular heart age," which reflects the biological appearance of a person's heart and blood vessels compared to their actual age.
The results showed that individuals who reported higher levels of financial stress and food insecurity tended to exhibit signs of advanced cardiovascular aging, even after accounting for traditional medical risk factors.
Financial stress differs from other types of stress
Financial stress has unique characteristics that make it highly impactful. Unlike acute stress, such as a short-term work deadline or a transient illness, financial stress is chronic and persistent.
This stress includes continual worry about bills, housing stability, medical expenses, debts, or supporting family members.
Money affects many aspects of daily life, making it difficult to escape from financial stress. Such stress can disrupt sleep, limit access to healthy food or medical care, and decrease opportunities for exercise or relaxation.
Comparison with traditional risk factors
Dr. Leana Wen, a health expert on "CNN" and an emergency physician, explained that the correlation between financial stress and heart aging was similar or even surpasses many clinical risk factors.
Traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking are known contributors to heart disease and are routinely screened by doctors.
This research suggests that social determinants of health, including financial stress and food insecurity, should be discussed within the same context, but that doesn't imply that financial stresses replace traditional risk factors, just add to them.
Is heart disease inevitable for those experiencing financial pressures?
Dr. Wen answers clearly: "No," which is an important point. While financial stress increases the risk, it doesn't mean that people suffering from it are doomed to poor heart health.
The risk is also influenced by many factors, and there are still meaningful actions that individuals and doctors can take to mitigate the damage.
Practical steps to protect heart health
The basics of heart health remain constant: Regular physical activity, a balanced heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, non-smoking, and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Routine screenings matter because many cardiovascular risk factors develop silently, and treating high blood pressure or diabetes early can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney diseases, and heart failure.
And since chronic stress also affects heart health, techniques such as mindfulness practices, adequate sleep, and social connection can help alleviate stress responses and contribute to better heart health.
