Results from two separate studies published this week by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) illustrate the importance that modifiable risk factors can play in reducing rates of hypertension and heart failure in men and women. 

In a study of more than 80,000 women who were 27 to 44 years of age in 1991 and were followed up in 2005, researchers from Harvard led by Dr. John Forman, analyzed the role of six modifiable risk factors and hypertension risks. The six factors included maintaining a body mass index (BMI) less than 25, engaging in vigorous excercise for about 30 minutes per day, adhering to a diet somewhat similar to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, modest consumption of alcohol (up to 10 grams per day), infrequent use of non-narcotic analgesics (less than once per week), and intake of 400 micrograms or more of folic acid per day. The researchers observed substantially decreased risks in women with all of the factors present and noted lessoned risks as the number of factors present increased.

In a study of more than 20,000 men followed from 1982 through 2008, researchers from Harvard and Boston Veterans Affairs Healthcare System led by Dr. Luc Djoussé, examined the association between six modifiable risk factors and lifetime risk of heart failure. Protective factors examined by this team included maintaining a normal body weight, not smoking, engaging in regular exercise, moderate alcohol intake, consumption of breakfast cereals, and consumption of fruits and vegetables. These researchers found that the lowest risks for heart failure were for men with all six factors present and the highest rates were for men with none of the factors present.

Living the Science Recommended Resources:

 The DASH Diet Action Plan: Based on the National Institutes of Health Research: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension

 In 12 weeks You Can Control Your High Blood Pressure Without Drugs

 
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