Washington – A recent study has shown that chronic financial stress can accelerate cardiovascular aging. This can sometimes be more impactful than traditional risk factors. These factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking.
Researchers analyzed data from over 280,000 adults. The data included detailed questionnaires on socioeconomic factors. It also featured clinical assessments of cardiovascular health. Instead of just monitoring the incidence of heart disease, the team focused on “cardiovascular age.” This concept reflects the heart’s biological age. It is compared to a person’s chronological age.
The results showed that individuals with high levels of financial stress were more prone to early cardiac aging. The same applied to those experiencing food insecurity. The study was published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings journal. It stated that financial stress can affect mental health. It can also impact cardiovascular health.
Dr. Leana Wen is an emergency physician and assistant professor at George Washington University. She explained that measuring heart aging refers to structural changes in the cardiovascular system. It also refers to functional changes. Examples include stiffening of blood vessels. Changes in heart muscle function and reduced cardiac response to exertion are also noted. She added, “Chronic stress accelerates these processes.” Stress hormones affect blood pressure and heart rate. They also impact inflammation and metabolism. This leads to heart strain over time.
Dr. Wen emphasized that financial stress differs from other types of stress. It is often chronic and continuous. It includes worries about bills and housing stability. Medical expenses, debts, or family support are also concerns. The research also indicated that money affects many aspects of daily life. These include sleep, diet, healthcare access, and exercise. This increases the long-term risk of heart disease.
It is worth noting that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally. They claim approximately 17.9 million lives annually.