Heart accelerates aging: Body type reveals it
Researchers have determined that men with an apple-shaped body experience significantly faster heart aging. In contrast, women with a pear-shaped body were better protected against heart health when fat was stored in the hip and thigh areas. Experts suggest that high estrogen levels in women, especially before menopause, may play a role in this protective effect.
Scientists from the Medical Research Council in London used artificial intelligence to analyze MRI images of participants in the UK Biobank. The amount and distribution of fat were determined, and detailed scans were also used to assess signs of aging in the heart and blood vessels. Each participant was assigned a "heart age," which was compared to their actual age. Professor Declan O'Regan, lead researcher at Imperial College London, said: "We knew about the apple-and-pear-sized difference in body fat, but the impact on health was unclear. Our study shows that fat deep within the organs accelerates the aging of the heart, while fat around the hips and thighs, particularly in women, may be protective. We also showed that BMI is inadequate for predicting heart age."
Professor Bryan Williams of the British Heart Foundation said: "We know that excess fat accumulated around the heart and liver raises blood pressure and cholesterol. It's concerning that this fat also accelerates heart ageing. A healthier diet and regular exercise play a critical role in reducing visceral fat."
Meanwhile, researchers in the US have developed a free online test that aims to measure whether your heart is aging faster than your body. Using data from the American Heart Association, the test calculates your personal "heart age" based on parameters such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes status, and kidney function.
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