Preventive health checks

become@epik.care

The impact of cardiovascular health on mental abilities
POSTED INUncategorized
POSTED

The impact of cardiovascular health on mental abilities

Did you know that your brain needs 20% of all the oxygen your heart pumps through your body to function? What happens if this connection is compromised by cardiovascular disease? Science is increasingly confirming the deep connection between the heart and the brain. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity and poor diet affect both organs. Patients with cardiovascular disease have a higher risk of brain damage, and therefore of cognitive impairment, including memory loss, language problems and even dementia. Heart health has a direct impact on the brain’s ability to function effectively.

Share post:

How are the heart and the brain connected?

The heart and brain work together: the heart provides a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients that the brain needs to function normally, and the brain regulates the heart’s function, including heart rate and blood pressure, through the autonomic nervous system. Heart problems can cause disturbances in this delicate balance. Studies have shown that common heart conditions such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease increase the risk of cognitive decline:

  • Heart failure: When the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, the brain receives less oxygen and nutrients, leading to mental problems such as poorer memory and decision-making. The risk of cognitive impairment can increase by between 14% and 81%.
  • Atrial fibrillation (AF): Irregular heartbeats increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to minor strokes and thus problems in thought processes. Research shows that AF increases the risk of cognitive decline by almost 40%.

Coronary artery disease: The build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels reduces blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of dementia by almost 30%.

The heart supplies oxygen to the brain and the brain regulates the heart's function; heart disease can upset this balance and increase the risk of cognitive decline.

Like most cardiovascular diseases, dementia starts to develop silently in middle age, so it is crucial to take action before symptoms become noticeable.

Why do heart problems affect mental abilities?

The heart-brain connection is based on several biological mechanisms:
  1. Reduced blood flow: Poorer blood circulation means less oxygen and nutrients, which hampers brain function.
  2. Micro strokes: These tiny lesions in the brain can gradually lead to loss of brain tissue and impaired thinking skills.
  3. Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, common in cardiovascular disease, can damage brain cells and weaken the protective barrier between the blood and the brain, reducing protection against harmful molecules from the bloodstream.
  4. Neurodegeneration: Some heart diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, are associated with a higher risk of the protein build-up characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.
  5. Sleep problems: Cardiovascular disease increases the risk of sleep-disordered breathing, which has a negative impact on brain regeneration.

Heart health is brain health

  • Research confirms: what’s good for the heart is good for the brain. People who take care of their cardiovascular health in middle age have better mental abilities in old age. Like most cardiovascular diseases, dementia starts to develop silently in middle age, so it is crucial to take early action before symptoms become noticeable. It has been shown that timely preventive measures can reduce the risk of dementia; as many as 45% of cases could be prevented with adequate prevention, including cardiovascular health care.

    To protect both organs, it is important to pay attention to the basic building blocks of a healthy life: a balanced diet, regular physical activity, control of blood pressure and blood sugar levels, good quality sleep and mental health care.

Research confirms: what's good for the heart is good for the brain.

Heart and brain health are closely intertwined, which means that even small lifestyle changes can protect both organs in the long term. Start early, at a young age or in middle age, as prevention has the greatest impact. Lifestyle changes may seem small at first – as simple as replacing sugary snacks with foods with a lower glycaemic index or adding a daily walk. But in the long term, these habits greatly reduce the risk of disease, improve quality of life and help maintain mental vitality even in old age.

Author.

Source: Cardiac Contributions to Brain Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Share post: