Heart disease

Research

Roundup: Heart Disease Still No. 1 Cause of Death as Risk Factors Rise Post-COVID; and More News

Report: Heart Disease in U.S. – What You Need to Know About Rising Risk Factors

Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States -- and risk factors continue to rise, according to an update from the American Heart Association (AHA).

Cardiovascular diseases — comprising heart disease and stroke — are responsible for more deaths than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths combined, states the AHA. Nearly 2,500 people in the U.S. die from cardiovascular disease every day.

The AHA’s annual report, published in the journal Circulation, cites troubling trends and provides insights into how adults can protect themselves from these risks.

In 2022  (the most recent year for which final data is available), cardiovascular diseases were responsible for 941,652 deaths in the U.S. That’s an increase of more than 10,000 from 2021. However, the age-adjusted death rate from these diseases has slightly decreased, suggesting that while progress is being made, cardiovascular disease remains a significant issue. Age adjusting rates allows fairer comparisons to be made between groups with different age distributions.

Risk Factors: High Blood Pressure and Diabetes

The AHA’s report highlights that nearly 47 percent of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and more than half of adults are living with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes — two major risk factors for heart disease. Both conditions damage blood vessels and increase the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

Lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress, can significantly reduce the risk associated with these conditions. Regular checkups to monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels are crucial to staying on top of one’s health.

Obesity: A Growing Crisis

Obesity continues to rise as a major public health issue. The latest data shows that about 71 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, with 42 percent classified as obese. Obesity is directly linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers.

Dr. Latha P. Palaniappan, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University in California and vice chair of the AHA report's writing committee, said in a statement that excess weight is “the new smoking” when it comes to health threats.

"In the update, we noted calculations that found excess weight contributes to as many as 1,300 additional deaths per day in the U.S., nearly 500,000 per year," Dr. Palaniappan said in a statement. Obesity lowers life expectancy by as much as 2.4 years. If you're overweight, working with your doctor to develop a weight loss plan and making sustainable changes to your diet and physical activity can help lower your risk.

Kidney Disease Up Significantly in Seniors 65 and Older

While the rate of death from most major causes of death decreased in 2022, kidney disease continues to rise, with death rates increasing by 1.5 percent. Kidney disease is often a consequence of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, creating a vicious cycle where cardiovascular risk factors contribute to kidney failure. Addressing these underlying health issues early is key to preventing kidney disease.

“Kidney disease has actually been on the rise over the past decade,” said the chair of the Association’s statistical update writing committee, Seth S. Martin, M.D., M.H.S., FAHA, a professor of medicine and cardiologist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. “In our report, we noted a significant increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Medicare beneficiaries from 9.2% in 2011 to 14.2% in 2021.”

Health Disparities: Heart Disease Affects Some Groups More

One important aspect of the AHA report is the focus on health disparities. Cardiovascular disease does not affect all populations equally. For example, Black women have the highest rates of high blood pressure at 58.4 percent, while Hispanic women have the lowest at 35.3 percent. Additionally, obesity and diabetes rates vary significantly across different racial and ethnic groups.

These disparities call for targeted interventions to ensure high-risk populations receive the care and support they need, the AHA states. Access to quality, affordable healthcare is a critical factor in addressing these inequalities.

Progress on Smoking and Cholesterol

There is some good news. Smoking rates have steadily declined over the past few decades, thanks in part to widespread anti-smoking campaigns and increased awareness of the dangers of tobacco. Today, smoking is much less common than it was in the 1960s, when over 50 percent of men and 34 percent of women smoked. The AHA’s report also shows that fewer high school students are using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, signaling a positive trend among younger generations.

This decline in smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce heart disease risk. If you smoke, quitting can greatly lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.

"Another positive trend over the years has been a reduction in the rates of high cholesterol," said Dr. Keith Churchwell, M.D., the AHA's president, in a news release. "That's likely thanks, in part, to increased awareness about the dietary and lifestyle factors that impact cholesterol levels, along with the availability of medications and better clinical control."

Baptist Health provide convenient cardiovascular care throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties.

Do You Know Your Coronary Calcium Score?  As part of Heart Month this February, many Baptist Health diagnostic imaging locations will be participating in our heart scan promotion. You may be eligible for a CT calcium scoring if you are 40-75 years old and meet certain cardiac risk factors. To learn more and request an appointment visit BaptistHealth.net/HeartScan.

Study Links ADHD Diagnosis in Adults to Shorter Life Expectancy

A study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) found that adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have a reduced life expectancy compared to those without the condition.

Published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, the study analyzed anonymized primary care data from over 30,000 adults with ADHD, comparing them to a control group of more than 300,000 people without the disorder.

The findings show that men with diagnosed ADHD have a life expectancy reduced by between 4.5 and 9 years, while women with ADHD may live 6.5 to 11 years less than their peers without the condition. These results underscore the long-term health impacts ADHD may have, particularly for adults who have not received adequate treatment or support.

The study's senior author, Professor Josh Stott from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences, expressed concern about the findings.

“People with ADHD have many strengths and can thrive with the right support and treatment,” said Professor Stott in a statement.” However, they often lack support and are more likely to experience stressful life events and social exclusion, negatively impacting their health and self-esteem.”  

ADHD is often characterized by difficulties with attention regulation, impulsiveness, and time management, which can lead to struggles in academic and professional settings. These challenges can accumulate over time, contributing to mental health issues, substance abuse, and other factors that may shorten life expectancy.

In addition to the findings on reduced life expectancy, the study revealed that fewer than one in nine adults with ADHD have been formally diagnosed. This is a significant concern, as it suggests that the number of adults actually living with ADHD could be much higher than the research sample indicates, researchers said.  

These findings emphasize the need for increased awareness, better diagnosis, and more comprehensive treatment options for adults with ADHD. With the right support, individuals with ADHD can lead successful, fulfilling lives, but the challenges they face must be addressed if they are to avoid the negative health outcomes associated with the disorder.

The UCL researchers call for further community-based studies to explore these issues more thoroughly and to ensure that all individuals with ADHD receive the help they need to improve both their quality of life and their long-term health outcomes.

Combining Waistline Control and Physical Activity in Cancer Prevention

New research reveals that combining waistline management with regular physical activity is far more effective in reducing cancer risk than focusing on either one alone. A study supported by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) analyzed the lifestyle habits of more than 300,000 individuals and found that both factors are essential to lowering cancer risk.

The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, is the first of its kind to explore how waist circumference and physical activity interact in influencing cancer risk. The findings show that individuals who both manage their waistlines and engage in regular physical activity have the lowest cancer risk. In contrast, those who only address one of these factors see a reduced benefit.

Key findings from the study include:

  • People who do not meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended guidelines for waist circumference are at an 11 percent greater risk of developing cancer, even if they are physically active.
  • Those who fail to meet the WHO’s physical activity guidelines, even if they maintain a healthy waistline, are at a 4 percent higher cancer risk.
  • Individuals who neglect both waist circumference and exercise face a 15% higher cancer risk.

The WHO physical activity guidelines and those of the United States both recommend adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or an equivalent amount of vigorous-intensity activity.

Dr. Helen Croker, Senior Scientist at WCRF, emphasized the significance of comprehensive cancer prevention in a statement: “This is the first study to examine the independent and combined impact of waist circumference and physical activity levels. The findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach instead of focusing on a single factor to reduce cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and, in particular, having a waist circumference within the recommended level and being physically active, along with eating a healthy diet, are all crucial steps to reduce cancer risk.”

Dr. Croker advocates for gradual lifestyle changes to incorporate these habits into everyday routines: “People can start by making small, sustainable changes like incorporating regular movement into daily routines or choosing healthier food options,” she said in a statement. 

Healthcare that Cares

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