The strain caused by a shortage of funds may impact heart condition more significantly than illnesses. Specialists at the Mayo Clinic reached this conclusion, as reported by “Vice” magazine.
Using artificial intelligence, experts decided to examine approximately 300 thousand routine electrocardiograms performed between 2018 and 2023. The novel algorithm assessed the heart’s “electrical age.” This term refers to the extent of wear on its conduction system, which might not always align with a person’s biological age.
When the researchers elected to compare nine social variables, they discovered that financial hardship most strongly quickens the aging of the heart. Those who constantly experience money troubles have a 60% greater risk of mortality, even accounting for existing ailments. For example, a previously suffered heart attack increased the death rate by only 10%.
Besides monetary pressure, an unstable housing situation is also counted among the factors accelerating heart aging. Considering a lack of quality foodstuffs, the mortality risk becomes even greater.
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