New research indicates that muscle mass isn’t necessarily an indicator of heart health as once thought.
It’s not quite as easy as this, however. More muscle area doesn’t lead to a lower risk of heart attack as previously believed. In fact, the team found that greater muscle area actually was connected to a greater risk of heart disease. However, the team found that greater muscle density had a positive correlation when it came to protecting against cardiovascular distress. The amount of muscle wasn’t important. The amount of muscle compared to the amount of fat was.
Muscle density refers to the amount of lean muscle compared to the amount of fatty tissue within the body. For men between the ages of 60 and 79, a healthy muscle density is between 70 and 84 percent. For women of this age, that number is between 60 and 72 percent. According to the above mentioned study, men who had a healthy muscle density in their abdomen only faced about 25 percent of the risk for a heart attack than those who had a lesser muscle density.
The researchers pointed out that this didn’t apply to females–only males. There wasn’t a noticeable correlation between muscle density levels and the risk of a heart attack amongst women.
Maintaining a healthy heart is important because it lowers the risk of serious problems like heart attacks and strokes, which is a huge boost for overall health. Seniors with a healthy heart often feel more energized, mobile, and mentally sharp, which means they can stay independent for longer and enjoy life to the fullest. They are more likely to avoid the need for senior care for a longer period of time. It can also boost mood, keeping stress and the blues away. By taking care of the heart through exercise, eating well, and managing stress, seniors can live their best lives, all while potentially saving on healthcare costs.
This research comes from the University of California at San Diego. The team published their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Hopefully, their findings will lead to better care for those that suffer from heart disease. Hopefully, it’s a step forward in the care and attention that those who are at risk of a catastrophic cardiovascular event receive.
Cardiovascular health plays a huge long term role in the quality of life that someone experiences as they age. Some people recover with relatively few complications, but not everyone. Some people need ongoing support and assistance in their daily life for the rest of their lives. Professional level care might be needed in those instances.
Do you have questions about how senior care might be able to help you and your family? We’re here for you. Whether you have a loved one recovering from a heart attack, or you just aren’t sure what’s needed for the long term health of a relative, we can get you pointed in the right direction. We offer in-home care, but our staff has experience in many different types of care. Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation session.
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