The secret to longevity might be hidden in your heart. Your cardio age, a measure of your cardiovascular health, could predict how long you'll live. But here's the catch: it might not match your actual age. As we age, our bodies can betray us in ways we don't even realize. Doctors have found that different parts of our body age at varying rates, and some areas might be aging faster than we think. This is especially true for the heart, which is vulnerable to premature aging in menopausal women.
According to the British Heart Foundation, women's hormones offer some protection against coronary heart disease before menopause, but the risk increases significantly post-menopause. So, what can we do about it? Prevention is key, and understanding your cardio age is the first step.
Dr. Harpal Bains, a medical longevity expert, emphasizes the importance of knowing your cardio age. It's a more specific and urgent indicator of health risks than general biological age tests. By comparing your cardio age to your real age, you can identify potential issues early on and take action.
Here's the shocking part: coronary heart disease kills more than twice as many women as breast cancer in the UK annually, and it was the leading cause of death worldwide in 2019. The British Heart Foundation highlights the need to focus on reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and excess weight, as well as increasing physical activity.
HELLO! magazine, in collaboration with Move The Gap, is here to help. They've identified four critical areas of lifestyle medicine to navigate menopause: heart health, mobility, muscle and bone strength, and cognitive health. Over the next four weeks, experts will provide valuable insights on each topic, and you can sign up for this exclusive series.
Testing your cardio age is simple. Dr. Harpal uses a device that measures blood pressure in arms and legs, tracking pulse wave velocity. Alternatively, Pharmacy2U offers a digital heart health kit for home use, providing results in 10 minutes. If your results indicate a risk, they offer personalized lifestyle programs to help you make positive changes.
But here's where it gets controversial: is our focus on cardio age testing enough? While it's a valuable tool, some argue that a holistic approach to health is essential. Should we also consider other factors like mental health, stress management, and social connections? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
