Study finds heart trouble can start a decade before cholesterol or blood pressure raise alarms
This downward trend isn't just a sign of ageing—it might be an early whisper from your heart.
A recent
study
in JAMA Cardiology has surfaced this subtle red flag: people who later developed heart-related conditions, like heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure, actually showed a dip in their moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) around 12 years before their diagnosis. That's more than a decade of downshifting before things got serious.
Here's what they found: across more than 3,000 adults tracked from their mid-20s into late middle-age, physical activity naturally tapered off over time. That's kinda expected but those who eventually ended up with cardiovascular disease (CVD) experienced a sharper, earlier drop in activity, especially about two years before the actual diagnosis.
Let's pause on that: this decline started way before any red flags in your cholesterol or blood pressure, before you knew something was off.
It's like the heart sending a whisper, not a shout. And that gives us a huge window to act, to course-correct—and maybe even stop things from getting worse.
But there's more to the story. The study also unpacked how this trend varies across different groups. That's a big red flag pointing at inequities in opportunity, support, access, things like safe places to exercise, affordable options, flexible schedules—all the real-world stuff that shouldn't be overlooked.
Heart disease is still the big boss of health problems in the US, and not in a good way
Heart diseases are the leading cause of death for both men and women, claiming about 1 in 5 lives each year. Millions of Americans are walking around with risk factors, some they know about, some they don't. High blood pressure? That's more than 120 million adults. High cholesterol? Over 90 million. And then there's diabetes, obesity, smoking, stress, and sitting way too much.
What's sneaky is how common it all is. You can be in your 40s, feeling 'fine,' and still have silent plaque building in your arteries.
Lifestyle plays a massive role, processed food, too much salt and sugar, and not enough daily movement are basically an open invitation to heart trouble.
The good news? Most of these risks can be lowered. Eat better, move more, keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check, and quit smoking if you do. The heart might be complicated, but it also responds fast to healthier choices. In other words, you've got more control over your heart health than you might think—so start taking care of it now, not when the first scare hits.
So what's the takeaway? Let's break it down:
Physical activity as a canary in the coal mine
When your movement starts tapering, especially consistently and long term, it might not be just busy life. It could be an early signal of strain on your cardiovascular system. And studying that decline gives us a huge head start to intervene.
Keep moving, always
Don't wait for a crisis. Starting good movement habits early isn't just about losing weight or staying fit, it's about keeping your heart talking to you softly, not screaming when it's too late.
Tailored support matters
Recognizing that not everyone has the same chances to stay active means we need targeted help, especially for those groups hit hardest: think community-friendly parks, local affordable classes, supportive healthcare advice that's tailored, not generic.
Recovery isn't optional
Once someone is diagnosed, getting back to movement, even slowly, is critical. Post-heart-event life doesn't mean sitting on the couch indefinitely. Unfortunately, the study found most people stayed below recommended activity levels even after a diagnosis
Think of this like screening, not just with blood tests, but with lifestyle checks. If doctors, communities, and people start paying attention to when your activity starts to drop, that could become a real, actionable early warning sign.
In short, the heart has a way of speaking quietly before it shouts. That gradual slowdown in your daily energy or activity? It might be worth listening to. Let's keep our bodies moving, not just for now, but for decades to come.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Uproar in US as Indian doctor's $800 education cost revelation by X user sparks racist backlash; ‘Poorly trained frauds'
A social media user caused a stir when he disclosed that his Indian doctor had completed his 'entire education' just at $800, sparking a flurry of racist comments. A social media user's revelation about an Indian doctor's $800 education led to racist backlash and claims of inadequacy(Pixabay/ Representational) 'I went to a walk-in, Indian Doctor. He was a young guy. He told me he went to medical school in India, and that his entire education cost about $800.00 Interesting stuff,' one person posted on X. Several people on social media stated that they would have 'walked out' or denied to allow the doctor to treat them after knowing this information. Some other X users compared his education fee to the high costs associated with medical school in America, claiming that his degree was 'fake' and his training was inadequate. Post on India doctor sparks racists comments The post has generated a flurry of unsubstantiated claims and blatant biases, with many Americans calling on the original poster to 'run' from treatment. Many users in the comment section expressed strong racist views, arguing that having such a practitioner was 'unfair to US people, patients, and doctors.' 'That how much certificates cost over there? Crazy,' one user asked, while another wrote: 'They go straight from high school into 'medical school'. The crime is that American law allows these poorly trained frauds to practice here in the states.' 'Went to an Indian dentist. Drilled my tooth, said, 'Oops, I shouldn't have done that', then threw her arms up in the air and walked out, leaving me alone with the hygienist, who had to clean up her mess,' a third user said. Also Read: Alaska in Russia? Trump's embarrassing blunder on upcoming meeting with Putin creates uproar on social media Indian users offer explanation on govt-funded education Meanwhile, some Indian users attempted to explain that the Indian doctor's education might be 'subsidized by the government' in public institutes, adding that 'in other words India taxpayers funded his education.' They clarified that higher education in India is of excellent quality and is supported by the government, stressing that admission to these universities is extremely competitive due to the limited number of seats and the large number of applicants. 'These are considered the best colleges and better than almost all private colleges in India,' another said. 'India doesn't trap it's students under student debts like other countries,' a third Indian user chimed in.
Economic Times
17 hours ago
- Economic Times
US honey bee deaths reach record high; Varroa mites threaten crops and drive up food prices
US honey bee colonies are facing unprecedented losses due to pesticide-resistant Varroa mites, leading to the spread of deadly viruses. This threatens American agriculture, potentially increasing food costs and reducing the availability of essential crops like almonds and apples. Researchers are urgently seeking solutions, including breeding mite-resistant bees, to mitigate the devastating impact on pollination and food security. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A parasite that bleeds bees dry Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Impact on US agriculture Multiple threats, compounding losses US honey bee colonies are dying at record levels, and scientists say a tiny but devastating parasite is largely to blame. Varroa destructor mites have evolved resistance to a key pesticide, fueling the spread of deadly viruses and threatening a cornerstone of American pollinator populations crash, Americans could see higher grocery bills, fewer fresh produce options, and increased reliance on imported foods. Everyday staples like apples, almonds, blueberries, pumpkins, and melons could become more expensive and less US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that commercial beekeepers lost more than 60 percent of their colonies between summer 2024 and January 2025, the highest losses ever recorded since nationwide tracking began. That amounts to roughly 1.7 million colonies and an estimated $600 million in economic damage.'These losses are unprecedented,' said Danielle Downey, executive director of Project Apis m., a nonprofit focused on honey bee health. 'Without immediate intervention, we risk higher food costs, disrupted crop production, and the collapse of many commercial beekeeping operations.'Varroa mites, first detected in the US in the 1980s, feed on bees' body fat and blood while transmitting lethal viruses such as deformed wing virus A and B and acute bee paralysis. The USDA's Agricultural Research Service found evidence that mites collected from collapsed colonies across western states were resistant to amitraz, the primary chemical treatment used by US beekeepers for nearly two are critical to pollinating crops that make up about one-third of the American diet, including almonds, apples, blueberries, cucumbers, and melons. The USDA estimates bee-pollinated crops are worth over $20 billion annually in the US and $387 billion almond industry alone, which produces 80 percent of the world's almonds, relies on 1.7 million hives for pollination each spring. This year's bee shortage has already raised concerns about the upcoming pesticide-resistant mites are the prime suspect, experts stress that bee mortality is also driven by pesticides, poor nutrition, pathogens, and poor hive management. Some beekeepers say fungicides and neonicotinoid pesticides, banned in Europe but still used in the US, further weaken are racing to breed 'hygienic' bees capable of detecting and removing mites from their hives. Texas A&M University recently launched the state's first bee breeding center, aiming to produce mite-resistant queens for commercial now, many beekeepers are switching between different treatments to slow resistance and protect their remaining hives. But scientists warn the window for action is narrowing.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
If you're eating like most Americans, you are already closer to death, CDC warns
Americans are increasingly relying on ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) for their daily meals, now tied to alarming health risks, according to new federal data and expert advisories. Ultraprocessed foods now account for more than half of the calories consumed in the United States, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The report based on dietary data from August 2021 to August 2023, reveals that over 55 percent of the average American's daily calories come from UPFs, which nearly 62 percent among children and teens. This marks a small but notable decline from previous years, with intake decreasing by about 3 percent among adults and 3.7 percent among youth compared to 2017–2018 Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program What are UPFs? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Ultraprocessed foods are industrially manufactured items that include additives, like emulsifiers, artificial dyes, and flavorings, and multiple ingredients seldom found in a home kitchen. They often deliver a potent mix of high sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats (HFSS), while stripping away natural fiber and nutrients. While some UPFs, like certain whole-grain breads or low-sugar yogurts, may offer modest nutritional value, most contribute little more than empty calories. Health risks Studies consistently show a dose-response relationship between UPF consumption and worsening health. High intake correlates with elevated risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, various cancers, and even early death. For every 10 percent increase in UPF calories, the risk of early mortality jumps nearly 3 percent, with researchers estimating 124,000 premature deaths in the US in 2018 alone were tied to UPF consumption, surpassing fatalities from fentanyl overdoses. Live Events Further reinforcing these findings, a recent clinical trial showed that participants who switched from UPFs to minimally processed meals lost twice as much weight, even when the calorie and nutrient content remained equal. How to stay safe? Public health officials are calling for bold action like clearer labeling, limits on marketing to children, and stronger regulation of food additives. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has elevated UPFs as a national health priority, urging reform of the food environment.
