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Article: A New Goal for Aging; Hit 50 With Few Heart Risk Factors, And Brag Longer
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- February 21, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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It's a truism that healthy aging begins long before you hit old
age. Now a large study has confirmed that and suggested a new
approach for those hoping to live a long and healthy life: Aim to
reach age 50 with as few risk factors for heart disease and stroke as
possible.
Not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and warding off
diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol may drastically
reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and add 10 years to your
life, the study reports.
The "prevention of heart disease needs to begin very early in life
because by middle age, most of the risk factors are already
established," said Howard Cooper, associate director of the coronary
care unit at ...