The age of a person's immune cells may predict risk of cardiovascular disease, claims a preliminary study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016.
DNA is packed into structures called chromosomes, and when cells copy themselves to replace old, damaged or dead cells, the tips of the chromosomes, called telomeres, shorten. Shorter telomere length is a sign of aging in a cell and has been associated with a number of diseases, including heart disease.
DNA is packed into structures called chromosomes, and when cells copy themselves to replace old, damaged or dead cells, the tips of the chromosomes, called telomeres, shorten. Shorter telomere length is a sign of aging in a cell and has been associated with a number of diseases, including heart disease.
Researchers examined the relationship between telomere length of leukocytes, the body's immune cells, and overall cardiovascular health -- defined using the American Heart Association's Life Simple 7 metrics (smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose).
‘Shorter telomere length is a sign of aging in a cell and has been associated with a number of diseases, including heart disease.’
Leukocyte telomere length reflected cardiovascular health more accurately in women and white people. The findings support the link between cardiovascular health and cell aging even though it can vary by gender and race. More research is needed to explain the gender and race differences, researchers said.
Source: Eurekalert
- << Americans Consume too Much Sodium And Not Enough Potassium
- Elderly Heart Attack Survivors Do Not Opt For Smoking Cessa... >>
Recommended Reading
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients may Have Double the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with serious risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease events such as heart attack or stroke.
Minimal Exercise can Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Menopausal Women
Minimal exercise may be all it takes for postmenopausal women to better regulate insulin, maintain metabolic function and help prevent significant weight gain.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Should Be Addressed at All Ages
Prevention of cardiovascular disease in mid- to later life in black and white Americans is an increasingly important health concern.
Follow a Healthy Lifestyle to Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases
One-third of Indians above 18 years have hypertension. But most people with hypertension were unaware of their condition due to lack of awareness.
Health Insurance - India
Health insurance has emerged as one of the fastest growing segments in the non-life insurance industry with 30% growth in 2010-11 with annual premium collections being over Rs 6,000 crores.
