Your Heart’s Health Is Linked To Your Brain Functioning

Achieving the metrics that define a healthy heart may translate to healthier brain too as you age

If you eat right, exercise and take care of your heart, you can protect your brain from aging too, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Scientists assessed memory, thinking and brain processing speed in more than 1,000 people over six years and found that people who met most of the seven goals for heart-healthy living, like healthy body weight, good diet, workout, blood pressure and cholesterol in check, no smoking, had a younger, active brain and far lesser decline in memory.

Your Brain Requires a Steady Bloodflow To Function Well

Following are the ‘Simple Seven Goals’, the gold-standard of healthy living accepted by the medical fraternity.

The 7 goals are to:

• Manage blood pressure: It should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg.
• Control cholesterol levels: High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can block arteries.
• Reduce blood sugar: High levels of blood sugar can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.
• Get active: Half an hour of physical activity a day will keep you in proper shape.

• Eat healthy: A variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups. Limit salt, sugar, saturated fat and trans fats intake.
• Lose weight: Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce heart risks.
• Don’t smoke: Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing heart diseases than anyone else.

In the study, more than 1,000 men and women over the age 40 had brain tests that assessed their memory and brain processing abilities, like how fast they could do a focus-intensive task. Six years later, the people were tested again and researchers found that having more healthy heart factors was linked to better brain processing years later. It was also associated with less decline in functions like memory and executive functions like time management and focus.

The results of the study highlight the need for patients and physicians to monitor and address heart health factors and strive for ideal levels, as these factors not only influence cardiovascular health but also brain health.

Hannah Gardener, Assistant Scientist, Neurology, University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine

None of the study volunteers met all seven goals, and only 1 percent met six goals. Four percent met five of the goals, another 14 percent met four, 30 percent met three, 33 percent met two and 15 percent met only one. 3 percent of the volunteers met none of the seven goals for heart-healthy living.

The research helps to confirm the link between heart health and brain health.

Running Is the Best Exercise For a Sharp Brain

In addition to stimulating the creation of new nerve cells and blood vessels in the brain, running also reverses age-related shrinkage by affecting chemicals in a way that sets runners for healthier-than-average brains later in life.

Another 2012 study found that even moderately fit people did better on memory tests than those who were less fit or completely unfit. It also concluded that running makes people juggle better and enhances their ability to make distinctions.

So whatever shape you’re in, your elevated heart rate and blood pressure will continue to pump oxygen to the brain and body even after you’ve stopped running, which leaves you feeling sharp and energized. High dopamine levels will remain elevated for a long time, leaving you with a sense of pleasure.

So if you understand this science - you will understand that cardio gives you an edge in life. Pick up the jogging shoes when you’re in your 20s for a sharper brain in your 40s.

Think of it as building sweat equity in yourself. It is truly a no-brainer.

Also Read: Alzheimer’s Disease: Can We Treat It 20 Years Before It Strikes?