Latest news with #heartHealth
The Independent
16 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
‘Staying hopeful is helpful': How positivity can help reduce risk of stroke
A study suggests that a positive mindset can significantly lower the risk of future health problems after a stroke or heart disease diagnosis. The research, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), analysed data from 12 previous studies involving 5,540 patients with conditions like coronary heart disease and stroke. Hopelessness was associated with a six-fold higher death risk from heart disease in men with pre-existing heart conditions, while higher hope in women was protective against angina. Higher hope was linked to a lower risk of post-stroke fatigue, lower depression and anxiety levels, enhanced resilience, and improved quality of life. Dr. Alexander Montasem and Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan suggest that mental health support and staying hopeful can be beneficial for people with heart problems, potentially improving treatment adherence and overall wellbeing.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Are seed oils really bad for you?
Seed oils like canola and sunflower oil have attracted controversial claims about harmful effects in recent times. Is there any truth to them? You might have a bottle of sunflower oil or canola (rapeseed) oil stashed away in a kitchen cupboard somewhere. Whether you cook with them or drizzle them over salads, seed oils are popular across the world. But these unassuming seed oils have become the centre of a heated debate online. In recent years, seed oils have become the target of countless social media posts, with people claiming that they are "toxic", "poisonous" and, ultimately, are damaging our health. Critics have nicknamed some seed oils 'the hateful eight' – referencing eight popular seed oils, canola, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, soy, rice bran, sunflower and safflower – and blame them for causing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Are seed oils really the enemy, or is the antagonism towards them unjustified? Are seed oils connected to heart health? Much of the recent criticism of seed oils focuses on their high omega-6 fatty acid content. Omega 6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, which means we need them, but can't produce them ourselves. In recent years some scientists have argued that omega 6 can cause chronic inflammation (which can increase the risk of developing diseases including heart disease and cancer). But controlled trials have found that omega-6 fatty acids do not increase inflammation, says Dariush Mozaffarian, professor and director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University in Massachusetts in the US. "New research shows that omega-6 fatty acids give rise to unique natural molecules, like lipoxins, that have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the body," says Mozaffarian. Recent research studied the diet and health of over 200,000 people in the US for around 30 years. The researchers found that people who consumed more plant oils (including seed oils) were less likely to die from cardiovascular disease or cancer over the course of the study. On the other hand, those with a higher intake of butter were more likely to die during the same period. There are numerous observational studies looking at how omega 6 effects our heart health – where scientists look at data on diet and health, and find associations between the two. But some observational studies rely on people's own accounts of what they eat, says Matti Marklund, assistant professor of human nutrition at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the US. And this, he adds, can be problematic because people may misremember, or even be dishonest, about their dietary habits. Another way to measure omega 6 intake is to measure the average amount in the individual components and ingredients in a person's diet. However, Marklund adds, it can be difficult to translate what people say they have eaten into certain quantities. Numerous studies investigating the effects of omega 6 on our health focus on linoleic acid, an omega 6 fatty acid found in high amounts in seed oil, that has been found to lower the 'bad' LDL cholesterol in our blood. In a 2019 study, Marklund instead focused on the levels of fatty acids in the blood of participants from around 30 observational studies – some which followed people for up to 30 years – and looked at how many developed cardiovascular disease and died from it. He found that those with the highest levels of linoleic acid in blood had the lowest risk of developing cardiovascular disease. There is some confusion regarding omega 6 and heart health, says Christopher Gardner, director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center in the US. This partly stems from omega 6's role in the process of blood clotting, which Gardner says people mistakenly only associate with strokes and heart attacks. Omega 3, he says, tends to be more blood-thinning. "If you had a wound in your hand, you'd want it to clot," he says. "You need balance." Meanwhile, scientists concluded in a 2019 analysis of 30 studies that people with higher amounts of linoleic acid in their blood were 7% less likely to develop heart disease. "Linoleic [acid] might improve cholesterol to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and also improve glucose metabolism, which reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes," Marklund says. Seed oils and the 3:6 ratio Another common accusation levelled at seed oils is that eating too much omega 6 compared to omega 3 is harmful. In the Western world, omega-6 fatty acids account for around 15% of our total energy intake. The average person's ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 can be up to 50:1. However, it should be more like 4:1 to reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease, according to one study. A 2022 World Health Organization review and meta-analysis reported that a higher omega 6:3 ratio was associated with a greater risk of cognitive decline and ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. On the other hand, a higher omega 3:6 ratio was also linked to a 26% reduced risk of depression. Overall, the scientists involved in the WHO study concluded that a high intake of omega 6 fatty acids from seed oils is unlikely to increase your risk of death and disease – but say that more high-quality research is needed. But while some scientists argue that you shouldn't have too much omega 6 compared to omega 3, Marklund says it's better to up your intake of omega 3 rather than consume less omega 6, as both are associated with health benefits. How seed oils are processed Unlike other oils, seed oils are extracted from the seeds of plants. There are some concerns that seed oils are extracted with hexane – a chemical made from crude oil – but there is little evidence so far suggesting that this process can cause issues. While some evidence suggests hexane could be linked to several health conditions, after being extracted, the oil is then deodorised and bleached to remove and additives. "Scientists will say hexane extract is normal in food processing, and the deodorising and bleaching removes potentially harmful compounds," says Gardner. Cold-pressed seed oils avoid this process entirely, as it involves squeezing the seeds to extract the oil – but this results in a more expensive product. Can seed oils fuel tumour growth? Despite an abundance of research showing the potential benefits omega 6 might have to our health, researchers have recently found that this fatty acid can fuel the growth of a specific type of breast cancer. The findings may have implications for the impact of omega 6 consumption on other diseases, too. Cancer cells use nutrients as fuel to grow and multiply, but until now, there was limited research looking at the role omega 6 fatty acids play. But a study published in March this year found a mechanism by which linoleic acid, an omega 6 fatty acid, helps cancer cells to grow and multiply in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). This is the most aggressive sub-type of the disease, and one that doesn't respond well to targeted therapies. Previous studies suggest there is no association with omega 6 fatty acids, or a small increase in risk, says Nikolaos Koundouros, postdoctoral associate at Weill Cornell Medicine research centre in New York. But these studies, he says, haven't taken into account that there are multiple sub-types of breast cancer, and that they all differ in terms of a patient's survival and prognosis, and how they might respond to targeted therapy. TNBC seems to respond the most to omega 6 linoleic acid, Koundouros says. Along with a team of researchers, Koundouros discovered in the lab that, when fed omega 6, TNBC cells activate a protein complex linked to tumour growth and progression. Another protein, which is found in larger amounts in TNBC tumours compared to other breast cancer subtypes, is known to take fatty acids and lipids throughout the body and within cells to exactly where they need to be. Koundouros explains that these proteins, along with omega 6, may also be relevant in other chronic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This research could potentially inform treatment options for TNBC patients, but it doesn't necessarily have wider implications for everyone, Koundouros says. "It's important to remember omega 6 fats are essential for a reason; if you completely cut them out, you could have detrimental side effects," he says. Which seed oil? Some seed oils – such as canola oil and soybean oil – have been studied more than others, so have a more rigorous evidence base. "These each provide a balanced combination of healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats," Mozaffarian says. Canola oil, Mozaffarian adds, has similar anti-inflammatory effects and produces better improvements in blood cholesterol levels than olive oil, which has long been hailed the healthiest of all oils. One meta-analysis of 27 trials found that canola oil was found to significantly reduce LDL cholesterol compared to sunflower oil and saturated fat, while another found that it dramatically reduced body weight, especially in in those with type 2 diabetes. "Canola oil produces excellent benefits for blood cholesterol levels, and also modestly reduces body weight. The healthy fats in canola oil, especially the omega 6 polyunsaturated fats, also improve blood glucose, insulin resistance, and insulin production," says Mozaffarian. Soybean oil has also been found to improve cholesterol levels compared to saturated fats. One study found that people who consumed more soybean oil had lower risk of death from all causes; a 6% lower risk for every 5g they consumed daily. Which seed oil is healthiest? "Seeds are one of nature's most nourishing gifts; a package of beneficial healthy fats," says Mozaffarian. That something so well studied within nutrition science has had such a backlash has been a source of confusion for some scientists. But this misunderstanding may come from a "misplaced combination of partial truths", Mozaffarian says. For instance, some people may link seed oils to ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which often contain seed oils, particularly canola, corn, soybean, and sunflower oils. In recent years there has been a huge focus on the health risks of consuming too many UPFs, including increased risk of developing type two diabetes and heart disease. More like this:• What is the healthiest cooking oil?• The truth about saturated fat• Cod liver oil: The fishy fix that was surprisingly healthy "But these dangers arise from too much starch, sugar, and salt, loss of natural intact food structure and dozens, or even hundreds, of artificial additives," Mozaffarian says. Some people have also drawn a correlation with increased consumption of seed oils in recent years and the rise in obesity and diabetes. "But if you want to draw parallels with people eating more seed oils and unhealthy outcomes, it's because we're eating food that tends to contain a lot of sugar and sodium," Gardner suggests. He says there are many ways to consume seed oils at home that don't involve UPFs, such as with a salad or stir-fry. "I'd hate to see people tossing out seed oils because of this seed oil war," says Gardner. Ultimately, while some scientists call for more rigorous trials looking into the effects of seed oil consumption on our health, others, including Marklund, argue that there is already a wealth of good quality trials showing benefits on blood cholesterol, blood glucose and insulin levels for the general population. "Omega-6 fatty acids are excellent for health," says Marklund. "They have been linked to lower onset of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even death from all causes." -- For trusted insights into better health and wellbeing rooted in science, sign up to the Health Fix newsletter, while The Essential List delivers a handpicked selection of features and insights. For more science, technology, environment and health stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Medical News Today
26-05-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Heart health: Exercise not enough to offset effects of poor sleep
Poor sleep can impact health in many ways, particularly the heart. blackCAT/Getty Images A study led by researchers from Uppsala University examined how sleeping poorly can affect the body — specifically heart health. In the crossover study, scientists checked the participants' biomarkers after they underwent sessions of poor sleep and healthy sleep. They found that biomarkers associated with inflammation and heart health increased after just three nights of poor sleep. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night, this can sometimes be tough to achieve. Whether it is due to stress or underlying health issues, it is almost inevitable to get less than the recommended sleep at some point. A new study examines how quickly the body can start reacting negatively to poor sleep. The results show that getting a bad night's sleep just three nights in a row can start affecting health. When seeing whether exercise could offset the effects of three nights of poor sleep, the researchers learned that it could help but did not cancel the effects of poor sleep. The study appears in the journal Biomarker Research . The researchers noted that prior studies have shown the cardiovascular risks of chronic poor sleep. However, they thought research on short-term sleep deprivation and physiological factors needed to be expanded. This study examined the effects of poor sleep in 16 young men , who the researchers noted all had healthy weights. The researchers carried out the study over two sessions, each of which included three nights of monitoring in a sleep lab. In one session, the men underwent 3 nights of restricted sleep. On these nights, they only got around 4.25 hours of sleep. The researchers collected blood samples from the participants in the morning and evening and before and after high-intensity exercise. The high-intensity exercise sessions lasted 30 minutes each. In another 3-night session, the participants got a normal night's sleep of around 8.5 hours on average. The study analyzed 88 proteins related to cardiovascular disease, such as leptin, lipoprotein lipase, and galectin-9. After reviewing the data collected, the researchers found that short-term sleep restriction was enough to change the participants' biomarkers. Just three nights of poor sleep elevated proteins that are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Exercise was not enough to completely cancel out the harm caused by sleep restriction. While exercise did impact protein levels to some degree, the participants still experienced increases in 16 proteins related to cardiovascular disease. According to the study authors, 'the upregulated set included several stress, interleukin, and chemokine-related proteins.' Some beneficial proteins that are connected to the positive effects of exercise, such as IL-6 and BDNF, were elevated regardless of sleep status. However, the proteins in people with sleep restriction were not elevated as much as in people with normal sleep. The study shows that short-term sleep restriction can contribute to biological changes even in young, healthy men. This information demonstrates the need for awareness of how just a few nights of poor sleep have the potential to impact the heart. The study authors emphasized that more research is necessary to determine the impacts that short-term sleep restriction can have on older adults and women. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, spoke with Medical News Today about the study findings. 'This biomarker-based study found changes in blood chemistry associated with inflammation after a few nights of sleep restriction,' said Chen. 'This suggests a biochemical mechanism by which poor quality sleep can impact someone's health.' Chen said the results are 'not entirely surprising' and noted that poor sleep can impact numerous health factors. In addition to cardiovascular health, Chen said sleep restriction can negatively impact endocrine and immune functioning. For people who want to improve their sleep quality and reduce the chances of activating harmful proteins related to sleep restriction, Chen suggested that people maintain 'a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine.' 'We also recommend that people practice good sleep 'hygiene' including avoiding caffeine and alcohol later in the day, avoiding the use of electronic devices before bedtime, limiting long daytime naps, exercising regularly, and following a healthy diet,' Chen told MNT . Harneet Walia, MD, medical director of sleep for Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, also spoke with MNT . Walia noted the 'robust methods' used in the study and said, 'the findings add meaningful evidence to the growing literature suggesting that sleep duration directly impacts cardiovascular health.' 'This adds to the body of literature and amplifies the association of sleep restriction with a pro-inflammatory state, suggesting that even short-term sleep restriction can have significant health consequences.' — Harneet Walia, MD Walia recommended that people 'create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body it's time to wind down' to ensure the best chances for a good night's sleep. Heart Disease Cardiovascular / Cardiology Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a Harvard researcher who studies seed oils... here's the terrifying truth about their dangers
Online forums, influencers, US health officials and now, Harvard researchers - people in every facet of life are weighing in on seed oils. While some call them toxic and blame them for sky-high rates of obesity and other chronic diseases, some experts say there simply isn't enough information to make that conclusion. Researchers know very little about the benefits and harms of consuming seed oils, which include canola, corn, sunflower, and other refined oils made from the seeds of certain plants. Dr Jane Zhao, an expert in global and public health at Harvard University and a nutrition researcher focusing on seed oils, says evidence is multi-directional and inconclusive, marked by flawed studies and cherry-picked facts that fit a person's own narrative, whether that's for or against. The oils are mainly composed of unsaturated fat, primarily omega-6 fatty acids, which detractors claim drive up rates of inflammation in the body. 'The truth is,' Dr Zhao said, 'we don't fully understand what the causal effect of omega-6 fatty acids is, which dominate most seed oils, on disease risk.' The panic over seed oils has been fueled by a single meta-analysis published in 2016 that found seed oils to be harmful, increasing the risk of some measures of heart disease by 13 percent. This analysis, though, was an outlier. Dozens of other meta-analyses on the topic show mixed results, ranging from a very mild benefit to heart health and stroke prevention to having no association with increased risk of either. 'Taken together, these findings suggest that the case for seed oils as unequivocally 'heart-healthy' is not closed,' Dr Zhao wrote for Stat News. This lack of conclusive evidence, however, has not stopped HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr from shunning seed oils and telling people to do the same - replacing them with saturated fats such as beef tallow. Many traditional studies have suggested eating more omega-6 fats, like those found in seed oils, is linked to better heart health, Dr Zhao said. But these types of studies have some problems: people who eat more of these oils might also be doing other healthy things, like exercising or eating more vegetables, that could influence the results. When it comes to omega-6 fats, the evidence is mixed. Meta-analyses vacillate between the findings that fats in seed oils are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease or that there is no link at all. Researchers behind the 2016 report that turbocharged the debate over seed oils analyzed data from the Minnesota Coronary Experiment in the 1970s and combined it with other studies. The Minnesota Coronary Survey from the late 1960s and early '70s involved over 9,000 people and tested whether swapping saturated fat for vegetable oil high in linoleic acid (an omega-6 fat) would reduce heart disease risk. Results showed they didn't. Authors of the 2016 report then revealed swapping out a saturated fat like butter for a seed oil lowered cholesterol but failed to reduce heart disease — and may have actually increased deaths and heart attacks. Consuming a diet full of seed oils has also been tied to prostate and colorectal cancer. Some research suggests they may increase inflammation, making it easier for cancer cells to replicate and spread. Chronic inflammation also suppresses the immune system's ability to destroy those abnormal cells. Despite links described in those studies, there are plenty that come to the opposite conclusion. A 2019 meta-analysis found higher levels of omega-6 in the blood were associated with a lower heart disease and stroke risk, as did an analysis released in 2023. But a report in 2024 found no association between omega-6s and heart disease, while a 2018 systematic Cochrane review of trials found no relationship between this type of fat and heart health. 'The scientific community should be honest about this uncertainty. It's OK to say: 'We don't yet have all the answers,'' Dr Zhao said. 'Doing so doesn't confuse the public; it respects them. It signals that we're still asking questions and are open to new evidence, even if it challenges longstanding beliefs.' Seed oils are everywhere in the Western diet, appearing in their unhealthiest form in ultra-processed foods, salad dressings, and fast food. Seed oils are also commonly used to cook healthy Mediterranean diet-style meals, however, which prioritize whole produce, minimally processed ingredients, omega-3 fatty acids in the form of salmon and nuts, and limited carbohydrates. Americans now get roughly eight percent of their daily calories from linoleic acid, the primary omega-6 in seed oils, up from about three percent at the turn of the 20th century. While seed oil critics draw a link between the ingredient and rocketing rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, given their omnipresence in the US food supply, it's impossible to blame one single ingredient in processed foods that contain hundreds. When all those ingredients, including seed oils, come together, they make ultra-palatable and calorie-dense snacks like chips, cookies, baked goods, and more, which, over time, degrade one's health. Sautéing vegetables in canola oil a few times per week or mixing a simple salad dressing with sunflower oil packs a different nutritional punch than a fast food meal, and, overall, any health risks linked to seed oils are outweighed by the benefits of eating fiber- and nutrient-rich vegetables. 'Until we know more, we should be cautious about making sweeping recommendations,' Dr Zhao said. 'In the meantime, the best advice may be this: favor balance over extremes. That means not fearing every bite of croissant, but also not assuming that loading every meal with seed oils is a surefire path to good health. 'The seed oil debate doesn't need more hype — it needs more humility. And more science.'
Health Line
20-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Your Guide to Stress Test Results by Age
A stress test measures how well your heart works when put under stress. It is ordered to assess exercise tolerance, see if your heart can respond to demands, or test if heart medications are working. When you get your stress test results, a doctor will compare your results with the ones of other people your age. Keep reading to find out more about your stress test results based on your age. How do you read stress test results? During a stress test, a doctor will monitor several key vital signs. These include your: heart rate heart rhythm blood pressure A doctor will also assess your symptoms during the test, asking you to report symptoms such as chest pain. Doctors are specifically looking at your vital signs for ischemia, or poor oxygen and blood flow to the heart. Doctors may use different scales to report your results. Some stress test results will simply say 'positive' (meaning there was something concerning about your stress test) or 'negative' (meaning your stress test was normal). It's possible a doctor could declare your test nondiagnostic. This is true if you can't achieve 85% of your maximum heart rate but don't experience any electrocardiogram (EKG) changes that suggest you're experiencing ischemia. Another stress test calculation is the Duke treadmill score. The key components of this score include: exercise duration in minutes subtracted by five times the maximal deviation of the ST-segment on an EKG subtracted by four times the angina index (where 0 = no angina; 1 = non-limiting angina; and 2 = angina-limiting exercise) If your score is less than or equal to −11, you're at high risk of cardiac complications. If your score is −10 to 4, you're at intermediate risk of complications, and if your score is greater than 5, you're at low risk. Stress test results by age chart Most doctors follow the Bruce protocol for stress testing. This involves starting on a treadmill at a speed of 1.7 miles per hour and a 10% incline. The person assisting you with your test will increase the speed and angle of the incline every 3 minutes until you reach your target heart rate. The likelihood of an abnormal stress test result increases as you age. A study of athletes had the following findings: Of those ages 35 to 60, 5.1% had an abnormal stress test. Of those older than 60, 8.5% had an abnormal stress test. When you exercise for a treadmill stress test, a doctor will identify a target heart rate. Your age is a significant determining factor for this heart rate. Most doctors will challenge you to exercise at such a level you achieve 85% of your age-related maximum heart rate. Maximum heart rate is calculated by subtracting your age from 220. This means the following will be your expected stress test heart rate by age: Your age Maximum heart rate Target heart rate (85% max) 20 200 170 30 190 162 40 180 153 50 170 145 60 160 136 70 150 128 80 140 119 Factors a doctor is looking for while your heart rate goes up include: if you have chest pain while you exercise if you have EKG changes that indicate your heart isn't getting enough oxygen if your blood pressure goes up too much A doctor considers your test positive for ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart) if you have at least a 1-millimeter horizontal or down-sloping ST-segment depression or elevation. Frequently asked questions on stress tests If you're feeling confused about the results of your stress test, you're not alone. The following are some commonly asked questions about stress tests. What do doctors look for in a stress test? Doctors are essentially looking for how well your heart is working overall in a stress test. They may also be checking to see if medications are working as expected or if you need further, more invasive testing (such as a coronary angiogram). Doctors are essentially looking for how well your heart is working overall in a stress test. They may also be checking to see if medications are working as expected or if you need further, more invasive testing (such as a coronary angiogram). Can anxiety affect a stress test? Anxiety can be a risk factor for cardiac disease. However, one study of men and women set to undergo stress testing didn't find anxiety was predictive of a positive result. The researchers did theorize that increased anxiety could activate the sympathetic nervous system, which can increase the heart rate (and make you feel more anxious). Ideally, you'd rather be calm and not anxious on the day of a stress test. However, researchers haven't proven that anxiety worsens stress test results. Anxiety can be a risk factor for cardiac disease. However, one study of men and women set to undergo stress testing didn't find anxiety was predictive of a positive result. The researchers did theorize that increased anxiety could activate the sympathetic nervous system, which can increase the heart rate (and make you feel more anxious). Ideally, you'd rather be calm and not anxious on the day of a stress test. However, researchers haven't proven that anxiety worsens stress test results. Can you pass a stress test and still have a blockage? Does a stress test show all heart problems? A stress test is a noninvasive way to help a doctor estimate how well your heart is working. The test results could indicate if you aren't experiencing the kind of blood flow to and from your heart that's expected. However, the stress test doesn't let a doctor identify where your blood flow is affected, which more invasive testing could. Talk with a doctor if you're concerned about your need for further testing. A stress test is a noninvasive way to help a doctor estimate how well your heart is working. The test results could indicate if you aren't experiencing the kind of blood flow to and from your heart that's expected. However, the stress test doesn't let a doctor identify where your blood flow is affected, which more invasive testing could. Talk with a doctor if you're concerned about your need for further testing. What should I eat right before a stress test? A doctor will direct you on how long you should wait to eat before your stress test. You'll usually refrain from eating or drinking anything besides water for 2 to 4 hours before your stress test. A doctor will direct you on how long you should wait to eat before your stress test. You'll usually refrain from eating or drinking anything besides water for 2 to 4 hours before your stress test. Should someone accompany you to a stress test? It's a good idea for someone to come with you to a stress test. This is because if you do have a positive result or are simply worn out from the test, having someone to drive you home can be beneficial and safer. It's a good idea for someone to come with you to a stress test. This is because if you do have a positive result or are simply worn out from the test, having someone to drive you home can be beneficial and safer. How many minutes is good on a stress test? A stress test involves walking on a treadmill until your heart rate reaches an established rate based on your age. If you're able to achieve this without signs of poor oxygen flow to your heart (ischemia), the stress test is over. One study of those older than age 75 found the average test times for people ages 76 to 80 were: 7 minutes and 22 seconds for men 6 minutes for women A stress test involves walking on a treadmill until your heart rate reaches an established rate based on your age. If you're able to achieve this without signs of poor oxygen flow to your heart (ischemia), the stress test is over. One study of those older than age 75 found the average test times for people ages 76 to 80 were: 7 minutes and 22 seconds for men 6 minutes for women How do transgender people fit in? At the time of publication, no studies could be found that spoke to stress test results among the transgender and gender nonconforming population. As a trans person, your expected results will depend on whether or not you've chosen to pursue hormone replacement therapy as well as a variety of other factors. Talk with a doctor if you're concerned about the results of your stress test. Learn more about how trans people fit into clinical trials.
