“Connecting Heart and Brain Health: How Risk Factors for Heart Disease Have an Impact on Your Brain”

The brain needs fuel to function, and that fuel is replenished by the heart supplying oxygen and blood. However, the brain does not reserve this important resource.

Dr. Constantino Iadecola of Weill Cornell Medical School in the United States explained that the heart and blood vessels are supply routes that lead to remote cities without grain storage, and if food is not delivered through these supply routes, the people in those cities will not be able to eat and starve. It means that the connection between the brain and the heart is so important.

Let’s find out how risk factors for heart disease can affect brain health, as introduced in Prevention, an American health information media.

A blocked artery can cause a stroke

Healthy arteries are elastic, allowing blood to flow freely. On the other hand, when arteries become stiff, the heart has to work harder to get blood through, putting more pressure on it. That’s high blood pressure. When the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain become blocked and blood cannot pass through, a stroke can occur, starving brain cells.

“It’s an instantaneous process,” explains Dr. Iadecola. “Without the fuel the brain needs to fire and communicate, the neurons stop talking to each other and eventually die.” Depending on which part of the brain is deficient in nutrients, a stroke victim may lose the ability to speak, be alert, respond to everyday emotions and move smoothly.

Poor heart health may contribute to dementia

Dementia can occur when an artery is blocked or damaged, or when the heart is weak and does not supply enough blood to the brain. “Cognitive function is impaired every time the brain is not supplied with blood,” said Dr. Iadecola. Improved cardiovascular health may also improve cognitive function. But when blood levels decrease even marginally over months or years, certain areas of the brain become vulnerable to permanent damage. Vascular problems can also contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

Blood flow may affect Parkinson’s disease

There are many causes that can cause Parkinson’s disease, which is characterized by loss of muscle control, stiffness, and tremors. According to Dr. Iadecola, symptoms often occur because there is not enough blood flow to areas of the brain that support muscle coordination, posture, and the ability to walk.

Diabetes affects both the heart and brain

Diabetes itself is not a heart problem, but it is known that diabetic patients are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. This is because excess glucose affects connections between areas of the brain, which can negatively affect cognition. High blood sugar levels can also damage blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart attack or stroke.

3 Habits to Improve Your Heart and Brain Health

A recent study found that a 65-year-old woman who had four to five healthy habits (healthy eating habits, physical activity, cognitive task performance, smoking cessation, and abstinence from alcohol) had a life expectancy of 24.2 years, with no or one of these habits. 3.1 years longer than women with eggplants.

△ Mediterranean Diet – People who follow the Mediterranean diet have a significantly lower risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

△ Aerobic exercise – Numerous studies have shown that exercise makes arteries less stiff. Aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or swimming. If you increase the intensity, 75 minutes a week is enough. Strength training can also help control blood pressure.

△ Rest – If you take a deep breath or meditate every day, the brain and heart relax and restore the whole body.

How emotions affect the heart

Problems on the emotional side can manifest themselves physically as well. If you look at the impact of commonly experienced emotional reactions on the heart,

Stress – Continued anxiety can cause permanent damage. Chronic stress can interfere with blood flow in the coronary arteries and cause heart problems. Stress is also associated with inflammation, which can lead to clogged arteries and other health problems.

Depression – Although many factors contribute to depression, researchers believe that both neurochemical imbalances and a malfunction in the brain’s ability to regulate mood are related. This hinders blood circulation and promotes inflammation.

Shock – Sudden and profound grief or trauma can cause broken heart syndrome (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy). A sudden increase in hormones temporarily stops the heart functioning. Fortunately, fatal cases are rare.