Older Americans Experience a Decline in Key Heart Risks

 

The older generation in America has experienced an upsurge in their medical statistics according to an analysis conducted by researchers from the University of Southern California. The population has portrayed fewer chances of suffering from conditions such as strokes and heart attacks over the past two decades, and has exhibited better cardiovascular health amongst its members. This improvement has been most likely attributed to an active effort placed by older members of society regarding their lifestyle choices. Most individuals have given up dangerous habits such as smoking, and are taking drugs to help with the control of their cholesterol and blood pressure.

The research also notes that the reduction of these risks have been experienced by both genders in the community, meaning that women are now able to gain the same level of medical care as their opposite sexes. Discussing the changing perceptions regarding heart disease in the older generation, Professor Eileen Crimmins, the senior researcher of the study stated whereas in the past men were thought to be more prone to cardiovascular complications than women, enhanced treatment has led to positive progress concerning control and prevention measures.

Findings of the Study

The study featured data retrieved from the national archives featuring from 1990 to 2010. The audience targeted consisted of individuals aged 40 years and above, and some of the risk factors that were involved in the research included elements such as Body Mass Index, blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and related factors.

Dr. Racheal Bond, an associate director at Lennox Hill Hospital praised the findings of the study, claiming that it served as proof of the positive impact women’s heart health programs have had on the society. The decreasing gap between the two sexes concerning cardiovascular treatments portrays the improving standards of the overall healthcare afforded to all citizens. The director stated that continued progress must be made in this field should society wish to reduce this condition amongst the public. Dr. Bond identified the younger generation as the next audience that should be targeted in these efforts, with preventative measures promoted to this social group to lessen chances of risk from an early stage.

Maintaining the Results

Dr. Byron Lee, a cardiologist with the University of California noted that cases of actual strokes and heart attacks have also significantly reduced over a similar period of time. The expert connected this improvement to the aggressive approach that has been taken by the medical industry in connection to the treatment of high cholesterol and related conditions. Professor Crimmins noted that a remarkable improvement was especially shown in people in their 60s, as cardiovascular risk factors decreased in general for both genders.

Authors of the study also noted that greater improvements can be made by concentrating on the control of related risk factors such as diabetes and obesity. Women also only experienced positive progress in the last decade, while men enjoyed an upwards trend throughout the entirety of the 20 years the information for the research was collected.