Financial Difficulties May Accelerate Heart Aging and Increase Mortality Risk, Study Finds
According to a study published by the Mayo Clinic, financial difficulties may accelerate heart aging and significantly increase the risk of death. Researchers estimate that the impact of economic insecurity on cardiovascular health can sometimes surpass that of certain known medical conditions.
To reach these conclusions, scientists analyzed over 280,000 electrocardiograms conducted between 2018 and 2023. Using artificial intelligence technologies, they evaluated the "electrical age" of the heart, a biological indicator measuring the wear and tear of the cardiac conduction system and considered a reliable predictor of cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
The results, obtained after two years of follow-up, show that individuals facing financial instability have a 60% higher risk of death, even after accounting for chronic diseases they suffer from.
The study also highlights that this impact is more significant than that of certain traditional medical factors associated with cardiovascular diseases. For comparison, a history of heart attack would only increase the risk of death by 10%, while housing insecurity would raise it by 18%. Food insecurity is also among the factors exacerbating heart aging.
According to the researchers, this phenomenon is primarily explained by the effects of chronic stress. Financial difficulties maintain high levels of cortisol and adrenaline, two hormones associated with stress, for an extended period. This situation causes a permanent inflammatory state that weakens blood vessel walls and disrupts blood circulation, leading to a gradual and silent deterioration of the heart muscle.
Beyond biological mechanisms, economic insecurity also affects lifestyle habits. Individuals facing financial difficulties are more likely to forgo medical care, reduce the quality of their diet, and suffer from sleep disorders related to persistent anxiety.
The authors of the study believe that socioeconomic factors should be given greater consideration in cardiovascular disease prevention and public health policies.
Key Findings:
- Financial difficulties may accelerate heart aging and increase mortality risk by 60%.
- The impact of economic insecurity on cardiovascular health can sometimes surpass that of certain known medical conditions.
- Chronic stress caused by financial difficulties leads to a permanent inflammatory state, weakening blood vessel walls and disrupting blood circulation.
- Lifestyle habits, such as forgoing medical care and reducing diet quality, also contribute to the negative effects of economic insecurity on cardiovascular health.
Recommendations:
- Policymakers should consider socioeconomic factors in cardiovascular disease prevention and public health policies.
- Addressing financial difficulties and reducing stress may help mitigate the negative effects of economic insecurity on cardiovascular health.
