Latest news with #EuropeanJournalofPreventiveCardiology
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Quick Test To Predict Life Expectancy
New Delhi: A quick 30-second physical assessment might predict how long one might live, according to recent research that connects physical capabilities to lifespan. The research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, evaluated individuals' ability to transition between standing and floor-sitting positions and back up again, without utilising their hands, knees or the support of objects or other people. Health professionals note that this basic movement serves as a crucial health marker, revealing information about a person's physical state, including flexibility, balance, muscle strength and coordination. These physical qualities show a direct link with heart health and overall cardiovascular function. The Sitting-Rising Test (SRT) evaluated 4,282 people aged 46 to 75 years (68% men), with scores from 0 to 10 based on performance. Lower-scoring participants showed higher mortality rates. Middle-aged and older subjects who completed the test independently demonstrated better survival rates. The study expanded upon previous research examining SRT scores and longevity. The test is scored out of 10 points — 5 for sitting down and 5 for standing up. Begin by crossing one foot in front of the other and lowering yourself to the floor; deduct 1 point for each support used (hand, forearm or knee). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo Once seated, stand up using the same method of scoring: subtract 1 point for each support and 0.5 points for any loss of balance or wobble. Throughout a 12-year median observation period, natural causes resulted in 665 deaths, comprising 15.5% of participants. Mortality rates were 3.7% for those scoring 10, rising to 11.1% for scores of 8. The lowest-scoring 10% (0-4) showed a 42.1% mortality rate. After accounting for various factors, those scoring 0-4 showed 3.8 times higher overall mortality risk and 6.0 times higher cardiovascular mortality risk compared to those scoring 10, who could sit and rise from the floor without support or instability. Researcher Claudio Gil Araújo advised against unsupervised testing. People with physical limitations, including hip or spine injuries, or severe joint conditions, should also avoid this assessment to prevent potential harm. Dr Niranjan Hiremath, senior cardiovascular consultant and aortic surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, explained, "Poor performance in SRT may indicate reduced cardiovascular reserve, arterial stiffness — an early marker of aging blood vessels — or autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which affects how well the heart adjusts during movement. This test highlights functional decline that is often invisible in standard check-ups. Patients may have normal blood pressure or cholesterol levels, but if they lack the physical ability to perform simple movements, their long-term risk for cardiac events may still be high." Dr Ashish Agarwal, director and head, cardiology, Aakash Healthcare, noted that poor performance might indicate muscle weakness, joint stiffness, coordination issues, or excess weight. These factors correlate with heart disease, diabetes and chronic conditions. Emphasising that performance enhancement was achievable through consistent effort, Dr Manish Dhawan, senior consultant, orthopaedics, Sir Gangaram Hospital, recommended stretching routines for legs, hips and lower back to maintain flexibility as well as strength training through squats and chair-rising exercises without hand support to build leg and hip strength. He advised core exercises, including planks and floor routines, to strengthen back and abdominal muscles and single-leg standing, yoga and gentle exercises are recommended for balance improvement. Dr Sanjeev Aggarwal, director, cardiac sciences, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, stressed the significance of incorporating activities promoting flexibility into everyday routines rather than treating them as sporadic exercise sessions.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Your DNA could be stopping you from losing weight, new study suggests
Your genetic makeup could be the reason you're not losing weight. New research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Ben Gurion University in Israel found that one-third of people who followed a healthy diet did not lose any weight — although they did experience health benefits. Advertisement Participants exhibited 'significant improvements' in cardio-metabolic markers, including improved cholesterol, lower levels of the hunger hormone leptin and less visceral fat, which is found 'deep inside' the abdominal cavity, according to a press release. The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analyzed changes in weight and health for 761 individuals in Israel who had abdominal obesity. During three trials, participants were assigned to specific healthy diets — such as low-fat, low-carb, Mediterranean and green-Mediterranean — for 18 to 24 months. 5 A new study suggests DNA could play a role in weight loss. – Advertisement Across all clinical trials, 36% of participants achieved 'clinically significant' weight loss, while 36% achieved moderate weight loss. Another 28% lost no weight or even gained weight. Those who were resistant to weight loss, mostly older individuals and women, showed the same health improvements as participants who lost weight. 'We have been conditioned to equate weight loss with health, and weight-loss-resistant individuals are often labeled as failures,' lead study author Anat Yaskolka Meir, postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard Chan School, wrote in a statement. Advertisement 5 Research found that one-third of people who followed a healthy diet did not lose any weight. mojo_cp – 5 The study analyzed changes in weight and health for 761 individuals. mojo_cp – The study, funded by the German Research Foundation, did have some limitations. The majority of participants were men, researchers noted, adding that similar studies should focus on women in the future. Advertisement Dr. Philip Rabito, an endocrinologist and weight-loss specialist in New York City, told Fox News Digital in an interview that the study findings support what he's experienced in his own practice. 'There are likely genetic factors that affect an individual's ability to lose weight,' said the doctor, who was not involved in the study. 'Simply stated, despite similar efforts, caloric restriction and lifestyle interventions, some patients lose more weight than others.' Some individuals will not respond 'as robustly' to interventions as others, although this can be overcome with correct guidance, according to Rabito. 5 A woman injects semaglutide. millaf – 'With proper counseling, dedication and adherence to a lifestyle program, all patients should be able to appreciate weight loss,' he said. 'Even if there is minimal or no weight loss, the study shows that there are still improvements in health parameters just from participating in a weight-loss program.' For those who fail to lose weight with traditional weight-loss programs, prescription medications may be an option, he added. Manoel Galvao Neto, M.D., director of bariatric research at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, agreed that DNA can influence weight loss. Advertisement 'It is a true combination of genetic factors, and it affects the metabolism, appetite, fat storage and response to diet and exercise,' he said in a separate interview with Fox News Digital. Based on emerging research, Neto noted that obesity treatment can be more easily personalized, allowing those with genetic setbacks to reach their fitness goals. 5 A woman weighs herself on a scale. New Africa – 'If you have the marker for 'hungry brain,' and you take the GLP-1, you maximize your weight loss by up to 20%,' the doctor said. Advertisement 'Obesity is a disease that is chronic, it is progressive, and so far, we don't have a cure, but we are getting more and more information to help control it in a personalized way.' Neto encouraged individuals looking to lose weight to 'understand yourself' and seek professional help for the best possible outcome.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Heart health: Not yoga, not a workout—but most people fail this simple heart test
At first glance, it seems like something you'd be dared to do at a party—sit cross-legged on the floor and then stand up without using your hands, knees, or anything for support. But scientists have said this simple move might actually hold clues about how long you'll live—or how likely you are to die from a heart attack? It's called the Sitting-Rising Test, or SRT, and researchers say it's one of the easiest yet eerily accurate indicators of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Yes, that harmless little move might be a sneak preview of your heart's future. The Sitting-Rising Test isn't a new party trick or TikTok challenge—it's been around in the medical world for over a decade. But it's getting new attention now thanks to recent research that links your performance on this test with how healthy your cardiovascular system really is. Here's the deal: You start standing. You sit down on the floor. Then you stand back up. Easy? Not so fast. You're scored out of 10, and you lose points each time you use a hand, knee, or lose your balance. In the most recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, researchers followed over 4,200 adults between 46 and 75 for more than 12 years. The findings were wild—those who scored low on the test had a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular problems. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In some cases, the risk was up to six times higher. Researchers looked at 4,282 men and women between the ages of 46 and 75. The idea was simple: see how easily people could go from standing to sitting on the floor, and then back up again, using as little help as possible—no hands, knees, walls, or anything else for support. Dr. Claudio Gil Araújo, the study's lead author and director at an exercise medicine clinic in Rio de Janeiro, told the Post the test focuses on 'all the parts of fitness that aren't about cardio.' That means your muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and body control—all of which play a big role in staying healthy as you age. So what did they find? People who could do the test smoothly, without needing support, were way less likely to die from heart problems and other natural causes (like cancer) over the next 10 years. In fact, they were about six times less likely to die from cardiovascular disease compared to those who really struggled with the move. Dr. Araújo pointed out that while there are lots of tests out there that measure strength or balance or flexibility, the sitting-rising test stands out because it combines all of those into one. 'That's why we think it's such a strong predictor of longevity,' he said. So why does such a basic move tell us so much? The test reflects more than just muscle strength. It's about flexibility, balance, coordination, and overall functional fitness. If you're too stiff to bend or too wobbly to rise without help, chances are your internal systems—arteries included—might not be functioning all that well either. Doctors say that a lower SRT score doesn't just predict falls in old age; it could be a red flag for underlying health conditions like clogged arteries, high blood pressure, or declining heart resilience. What's also fascinating is how this ties into our daily routines—or the lack of movement in them. Even if you hit the gym for an hour every morning, if you're sitting for the next 10 hours straight, your heart may still be in trouble. Multiple large-scale studies have shown that prolonged sitting raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and early death. And no, your treadmill run doesn't fully cancel it out. It's like brushing your teeth and then eating candy all day—something still erodes over time. Back to the test. You don't need a doctor to administer it. You can try it right now on your living room floor. Just be careful and maybe have someone around to spot you the first time. If you need to prop yourself up with one hand or roll sideways like a kid in gym class, it's okay—but it's also a cue that your body needs some attention. The SRT is not a death sentence; it's a mirror. It reflects how well your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system are working together. And if you get a low score, you're not doomed. You're just getting a head start on prevention. How to do the sitting-rising test? Here's how you can do it: Sitting–rising test is done on a non-slippery flat surface, in a minimal space of 2 × 2 m, with the participant standing barefoot and wearing clothing that does not restrict his/her movements. Without worrying about the speed of movement, try to sit and then rise from the floor, using the minimum support that you believe is needed. Crossing the legs for either sitting or rising from the floor was allowed, while the sides of the participant's feet were not used for support. Researchers have advised to do this with a partner, who can observe and give score in the test. People who scored between 4.5 and 7.5 on the test were about three times more likely to die during the study period than those who scored a perfect 10. That's a pretty big difference. So, what can you actually do if you flop the test? Move more. That's the not-so-secret secret. Build strength in your legs, hips, and core. Practice mobility exercises. Get up from your desk every 30 minutes. Walk around when you're on calls. Dance while you do the dishes. These little micro-movements add up. Your body was built for motion, not marathon sitting sessions. What's also striking is that researchers say people with lower SRT scores often have less-than-ideal cholesterol profiles and blood sugar levels, even if they don't look overweight. That's the scary part. You could look 'fit' on the outside and still be heading toward trouble if your internal flexibility and balance are fading. That's why this test is making waves—it's accessible, affordable, and brutally honest. It might feel a little ridiculous at first. But once you realize how closely your body's ability to move mirrors your heart's ability to function, you'll never shrug off stiffness or poor balance again. It's all connected. The body whispers before it screams, and the SRT might be one of those whispers. So here's your weekend plan: push back the coffee table, roll out a yoga mat, and give it a try. If you glide to the ground and pop back up like a spring, amazing. If not, don't panic—just take it as your cue to get moving. Not for abs or biceps, but for your heart. Because sometimes, the simplest moves hold the loudest warnings. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Bathroom scales not showing any change? Stop before you call your weight loss a failure
Weight loss isn't just about seeing smaller numbers on the scale. Despite popular trends on the internet that equate success with a shrinking figure or smaller clothing sizes, true weight loss encompasses much more; improved health, increased strength, and overall well-being. Also read | Woman who lost 55 kg without dieting reveals what she eats in a day to maintain the weight: 'I finally began to heal' According to a recent study led by Anat Yaskolka Meir, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 761 people across three major studies were followed to understand the effects of weight loss on the body. The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, followed the participants for a span of 18 to 24 months and analysed results intensive lifestyle programmes. It was observed that even when the participants were not dropping kilos off their bodies, they were making serious advancements in other health factors, such as protection from heart disease, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions. The study was conducted on participants with an average age of 50 years, and their body mass indexes were followed through structured programs, including Mediterranean diets, low-carb plans, and exercise routines. It was observed that healthy habits pay off more than we can see, or the bathroom scale can show. More than dropping body weight swiftly, following a healthy diet and a structured workout routine targeting weight loss can reap other health benefits. Lead author Anat Yaskolka Meir from Harvard Chan School, in a statement said, 'We have been conditioned to equate weight loss with health, and weight loss-resistant individuals are often labeled as failures. Our findings reframe how we define clinical success. People who do not lose weight can improve their metabolism and reduce their long-term risk for disease. That's a message of hope, not failure.' Also read | Woman who lost 30 kg without hitting gym shares 5 daily habits that worked for her: Detox water to eliminating maida The Internet has us believing that unless we fit into smaller clothes or watch drastic changes on the bathroom scale, our weight loss journeys are failures. However, the study throws light on how structured routines and healthy eating habits can influence overall wellbeing. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Drinking more water may lower risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, study finds
Tel Aviv: People with higher sodium levels -- still within the normal range -- are more likely to develop high blood pressure and heart failure , but staying well-hydrated can help prevent these problems, Israeli scientists said on Sunday. A team of researchers from Bar-Ilan University examined 20 years of electronic health records from more than 407,000 healthy adults enrolled in Leumit Healthcare Services , one of Israel's largest health providers. Their findings, published in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, suggest that individuals with sodium levels at the higher end of the normal range face significantly elevated risks for high blood pressure and heart failure. Till now, the 135-146 mmol/L sodium range was broadly accepted as "normal," with little clinical concern unless levels were outside this band. But the Bar-Ilan study found that otherwise healthy individuals with sodium levels between 140-146 mmol/L still face measurably higher risks of developing chronic cardiovascular conditions . For those with levels above 143 mmol/L, the risk jumped to 29 per cent for hypertension and 20 per cent for heart failure. "Our findings point to hydration as a critical and overlooked part of chronic disease prevention ," said Prof. Jonathan Rabinowitz of the Weisfeld School of Social Work at Bar-Ilan University, who led the study. "A simple blood test might flag people who could benefit from basic lifestyle adjustments--like drinking more water, which reduces sodium levels." The researchers tied in hydration by using blood sodium levels as an indirect marker of a person's hydration status. Sodium concentration in the blood rises when the body is underhydrated because there's not enough water to dilute the sodium. Nearly 60 per cent of participants had sodium levels falling within the risk-associated range, underscoring how widespread the issue may be even among healthy populations. The associations held firm even after accounting for variables such as age, sex, body mass index, smoking, potassium levels, and blood pressure. To ensure the data accurately reflected hydration-related risks, individuals with conditions affecting water balance were excluded from the analysis. "Hydration is often overlooked in chronic disease prevention," Rabinowitz added. "This study adds compelling evidence that staying well-hydrated may help reduce the long-term risk of serious conditions like hypertension and heart failure." The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends a daily fluid intake of approximately 3.7 liters for adult men and 2.7 liters for adult women. However, individual hydration needs can vary based on factors such as age, activity level, climate, and health status.
