Indiana
– Three out of four heart attacks in young women could be prevented if they closely followed six healthy lifestyle rules, say researchers.
The basic rules, including eating healthily and not smoking may be familiar, but the latest research reveals the dramatic impact they could have on women in their 30s and 40s.
Death rates from heart disease have been steadily declining for the last four decades, but the US research team warned that women aged 35 to 44 have not experienced the same reduction.
“This disparity may be explained by unhealthy lifestyle choices,” said lead author Andrea Chomistek, assistant professor in epidemiology and biostatistics at the Indiana University School of Public Health.
The team followed the diets and habits of almost 70 000 female nurses, with an average age of 37.
During 20 years of follow-ups, 456 women had heart attacks and 31 691 women were diagnosed with risk factors for heart disease, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
The scientists found that women who stuck to all six healthy practices had an astonishing 92 per cent lower risk of a heart attack and a 66 per cent lower risk of developing risk factors for heart disease.
They said three quarters of heart attacks and nearly half of all risk factors in younger women may have been prevented if all of the women had followed the six rules.
For women diagnosed with a risk factor, sticking to at least four of the rules significantly cut their risk of developing heart disease compared with those who did not follow any.
“Women should begin following these lifestyle practices early in life. It’s an easy way to prevent future heart trouble,” said Professor Chomistek.
Previous research has found that a good diet, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, drinking in moderation and never smoking can ward off a range of diseases, from dementia to cancer.
The extra rule about limiting TV time comes as experts warn that too much sitting – as opposed to insufficient activity – could increase the risk of diabetes and heart problems. Spanish research found watching too much TV can double the risk of dying early.
In the latest study, women who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol – around one drink per day on average – saw the lowest risk compared to those who did not drink at all and those who drank more.
In the UK, 103 000 people have a heart attack each year, with one in three dying before they reach hospital. Heart disease causes 10 per cent of all deaths in women.
Daily Mail