A new study has linked iron deficiency in middle age to the development of heart disease in the later years of life.
In a study published by the European Society of Cardiology, it was found that those who suffered from iron deficiency during their middle aged years were much more likely to develop a new heart disease as they aged. About 10 percent of those with iron deficiency went on to have a heart disease within ten years of the iron deficiency being observed.
Past research has shown that those who are iron deficient have worse outcomes when they suffer a heart attack or stroke. This project aimed to look at iron levels prior to any of these things occurring. Again, it was found that low iron levels seemed to line up with poor heart health.
The team published their findings in the journal, ESC Heart Fail. The hope is that it is a starting point for future research so that heart disease can be more effectively treated.
Serious, chronic iron deficiency is known as anemia, and is detrimental to someone’s long term health. Besides the health issues mentioned above, anemia can also lead to muscle weakness and deterioration, excessive fatigue, and a weakened immune system. For some, anemia can lead to disability or worse if it is left untreated for long periods of time. It’s important to work with a doctor to determine if iron deficiency is an ongoing health concern for yourself or a family member. A doctor will also be able to help guide you on a path back toward a healthy lifestyle. Anemia can be caused by poor diet, or it can be a hereditary illness. Again, working with a doctor can help determine why the illness was brought about and figure out what the most accurate treatment method should be to prevent future health problems.
The researchers were quick to point out that this was an observational study and not one that determined causation. Although there was an observed correlation, that does not necessarily mean that iron deficiency was the cause of heart disease. However, the link is quite clear. Whether it is the cause or an early symptom, treating iron deficiency early on has the potential to help improve the quality of life that people at risk of greater health complications will experience.
As always, if you have more questions about this, please consult a doctor.
Providing a higher quality of life to the seniors that we work with is what our business is all about. In-home care, and senior care in general, is geared toward helping seniors meet their needs with more ease, reducing stress and physical complications that can arise as they age. Things that were once commonplace can become a lot more difficult as physical and cognitive health declines. Things like heart disease can speed this process up. Having a good senior care service on your side can help make things more manageable.
Please feel free to get in touch if you’d like to learn more about how care can improve someone’s quality of life.
Leave a Reply