14 DAY TRIAL // Researchers with the Northwestern University in the United States have some very good news for people whose life expectancy is threatened by the progression of coronary artery disease.
In a paper published in the journal Circulation, the scientists argue that, according to evidence at hand, it is possible to control and even reserve this condition, even if one happens to be in their 30s or 40s.
By the looks of it, the trick to putting a leash on coronary artery disease is to ditch unhealthy habits such as drinking, smoking and eating all the wrong foods, and make positive lifestyle changes.
“It's not too late. You’re not doomed if you’ve hit young adulthood and acquired some bad habits. You can still make a change and it will have a benefit for your heart,” explains lead investigator Bonnie Spring.
As detailed on the official website for the Northwestern University, this team of scientists bases its claim that positive lifestyle changes can help fight coronary artery disease on data obtained while looking at the medical records of about 5,000 people.
The individuals all took part in a research project known as CARDIA (the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) and had their coronary artery calcification and thickening assessed both when they were 18 to 30 years old, and two decades later.
It was thus discovered that, contrary to popular opinion, people do alter their lifestyle behaviors as they age. Thus, of the individuals that this investigation focused on, 25% embraced at least one healthy habit during the study period.
These healthy habits, i.e. not being overweight/obese, not being a smoker, being physically active, having a low alcohol intake, or eating a healthy diet helped keep artery calcification and thickening in check, and even reduced it.
“This finding is important because it helps to debunk two myths held by some health care professionals. The first is that it’s nearly impossible to change patients’ behaviours. Yet, we found that 25 percent of adults made healthy lifestyle changes on their own,” says Bonnie Spring.
Furthermore, “The second myth is that the damage has already been done – adulthood is too late for healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Clearly, that’s incorrect. Adulthood is not too late for healthy behaviour changes to help the heart.”
Together with her colleagues, the researcher recommends that those who wish to avoid heart disease and other medical complications in later life try not to smoke, maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, consume lots of fibers, and limit alcohol intake.