Cardiovascular disease is a leading global cause of mortality, highlighting the importance of research in heart and vascular health. Identifying high-risk individuals and effective interventions is crucial.
A recent study published in Nature Human Behavior explored the relationship between polygenic risk scores and lifestyle factors in a sample from China. Researchers discovered that individuals with high genetic risk who also led unhealthy lifestyles were significantly more likely to experience early-onset cardiovascular disease compared to those with more favorable lifestyles.
The study revealed that adopting a healthier lifestyle was linked to a 14-fold reduction in early-onset coronary artery disease among those with the highest genetic risk. It also showed reductions in early-onset ischemic stroke and late-onset coronary artery disease.
This prospective cohort study, which utilized data from the China Kadoorie Biobank, included 96,400 adults. It focused on polygenic risk scores for coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and intracerebral hemorrhage, and examined how lifestyle and genetic risk affected the age of onset for these diseases.
Participants were categorized based on their lifestyle as favorable, intermediate, or unfavorable, and on their genetic risk as low, intermediate, or high. The study found that high genetic risk was more closely associated with early-onset cardiovascular disease, and unfavorable lifestyles exacerbated this risk.
Overall, the research suggests that lifestyle changes can significantly mitigate genetic risk. Individuals with high genetic risk saw substantial reductions in early-onset coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and late-onset coronary artery disease when transitioning from an unfavorable to a favorable lifestyle.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist, commented on the study’s significance, noting that it highlights the impact of genetic and lifestyle factors on cardiovascular disease risk.
However, the study has limitations. It focused on a specific population, relied on some self-reported data, and could not analyze cardiovascular disease incidence in adults under 50 separately. Additionally, differences between training and testing groups and potential lifestyle changes during follow-up may have influenced the results.
Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar emphasized the importance of lifestyle modifications, particularly for those with high genetic risk. Tailoring preventive strategies based on genetic and lifestyle factors can improve patient outcomes.
Practical lifestyle changes to lower heart disease risk include quitting smoking, managing weight through diet and exercise, and increasing physical activity. Consulting with healthcare providers can help individuals implement these changes effectively.
