According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAMA), adopting heart-healthy behaviours might reverse the aging process in cells i.e. biological aging. ARCHANA JYOTI dwells into these findings in the context of India which is witnessing the silent epidemic of cardiovascular diseases

The study has shed light on how heart-healthy behaviors can significantly reduce biological aging, ultimately decreasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and overall mortality. The study identifies DNA methylation as a crucial mechanism through which cardiovascular health impacts biological aging.

The findings hold significance for India where, as per a Lancet study alarming obesity rates have been reported, with 70% of the urban population overweight. India ranks third globally in obesity, following the US and China. Approximately 8 crore Indians are obese, with 1 crore aged 5-19.

What is biological aging? The basic idea behind biological aging is that aging occurs as you gradually accumulate damage to various cells and tissues in the body. The poor lifestyle expedites biological aging.

Understanding Biological Aging and DNA Methylation

Biological Aging vs. Chronological Aging:

Biological aging refers to the condition of the body’s cells and tissues, which may differ from chronological age, the actual number of years a person has lived. Genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences contribute to biological aging.

DNA Methylation: DNA methylation is a chemical process that modifies the function of genes without changing the DNA sequence. It plays a key role in regulating gene expression and is a promising biomarker for estimating biological age. The patterns of DNA methylation can reflect cumulative exposure to various factors that influence aging, making it a critical focus in studying the impact of lifestyle on health.

Key Study Findings

Study Population and Methods:

The research utilized data from 5,682 adults (mean age of 56 years, 56% women) from the Framingham Heart Study, a long-term project focused on identifying heart disease risk factors. Participants' cardiovascular health was evaluated using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 tool, which scores health on a scale of 0 to 100. This tool assesses eight key factors: diet, physical activity, sleep, smoking status, BMI, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

Biological Age Estimation:

Researchers employed four DNA methylation-based tools (DunedinPACE Score, PhenoAge, DNAmTL, GrimAge) and one tool assessing genetic predisposition to accelerated aging (GrimAge PGS). These tools provided a comprehensive assessment of biological age influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors.

Impact of Heart-Healthy Behaviours

Risk Reductions:

For each 13-point increase in the Life’s Essential 8 score:

• The risk of developing cardiovascular disease for the first time was reduced by approximately 35%.
• The risk of death from cardiovascular disease was reduced by 36%.
• The risk of death from any cause was reduced by 29%.
• Enhanced Impact for High-Risk Individuals:
• Individuals with a genetic predisposition to accelerated aging experienced even greater benefits from higher Life’s Essential 8 scores. DNA methylation changes mediated a significant portion of the risk reduction:
• 39% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• 39% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death.
• 78% reduction in the risk of all-cause death.
• Overall, about 20% of the association between Life’s Essential 8 scores and cardiovascular outcomes was attributed to the impact of cardiovascular health factors on DNA methylation. For those with higher genetic risk, this association increased to almost 40%.

Mechanism of Action

DNA Methylation as a Mediator:

The study indicates that DNA methylation could serve as a mediator between heart-healthy behaviors and reduced biological aging. This biological mechanism explains how lifestyle improvements can translate into tangible health benefits, influencing gene expression and promoting better cardiovascular outcomes.

Role of DNA Methylation-Based Biomarkers:

While commercially available DNA methylation-based biological age calculators exist, the study suggests focusing more on improving cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes rather than solely relying on these tools.

Conclusion

The research highlights the profound impact of heart-healthy behaviors on biological aging and cardiovascular health. By addressing modifiable lifestyle factors, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, and mortality, promoting healthier aging. The study encourages adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle practices to enhance longevity and

quality of life. As research continues to expand across diverse populations, these findings could inform broader public health strategies and personalized medicine approaches to combat cardiovascular disease and promote overall health..

TIPS FOR Heart WELLNESS

Eat better: Follow a healthy, balanced diet consisting of unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean animal proteins, skinless poultry, fish, and seafood.

Be more active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.

Quit tobacco: Smoking cessation is always recommended by experts to avoid numerous health problems.

Get healthy sleep: Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep each night.

Manage weight: Body mass index (BMI) is often used to assess a person’s weight or body composition, though this is not the only indicator of healthy weight or obesity.

Control cholesterol: It’s important to manage your levels of low-density-lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol for overall health.

Manage blood sugar: Tracking your levels of hemoglobin A1c can help you keep your blood sugar levels in check.

Manage blood pressure: Adults should maintain optimal blood pressure levels below 120/80 mm Hg.