Summary
- Growing up in a low income family may have an effect on heart health many years later according to a new study. Researchers found that people who grew up in poorer households were more likely to show signs of atherosclerosis a condition in which fatty deposits and plaque build up inside the arteries.
- Higher risk found among those from lower income families The findings showed that people who grew up in the lowest income families were more likely to have moderate to severe signs of atherosclerosis than those who grew up in higher income households.
- However the study shows an association rather than proof that childhood income directly causes atherosclerosis. Other factors throughout life may also contribute to heart health.
Growing up in a low income family may have an effect on heart health many years later according to a new study. Researchers found that people who grew up in poorer households were more likely to show signs of atherosclerosis a condition in which fatty deposits and plaque build up inside the arteries.
The study was conducted by researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet and was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Study Examined More Than 15,000 People
Researchers analyzed data from 15,640 people who took part in the population based SCAPIS study in Sweden. The participants were between 50 and 64 years old when they were assessed.
The researchers looked at the participants’ family income when they were around 10 to 12 years old. They then compared this information with CT scans of their heart arteries taken nearly five decades later.
Higher risk found among those from lower income families
The findings showed that people who grew up in the lowest income families were more likely to have moderate to severe signs of atherosclerosis than those who grew up in higher income households.
After taking factors such as age and sex into account people from lower income families had a 43% higher likelihood of showing signs of the condition.
Even after researchers considered lifestyle socioeconomic conditions during adulthood and other known risk factors the difference remained. The lower income group still had a 31% higher likelihood of atherosclerosis.
Childhood conditions may matter for heart health
The researchers said the findings suggest that social and economic conditions during childhood may have long term effects on cardiovascular health.
However the study shows an association rather than proof that childhood income directly causes atherosclerosis. Other factors throughout life may also contribute to heart health.
The findings highlight the importance of looking beyond adult lifestyle and considering how early life conditions may influence health decades later.
We welcome your contributions! Submit your blogs, opinion pieces, press releases, news story pitches, and news features to opinion@minutemirror.com.pk and minutemirrormail@gmail.com
