Fatigue is a normal part of life. Whether you're simply getting older, have a herd of kids to keep up with, or are losing sleep over work stress, tiredness can typically be remedied with a good night's sleep. But, if you're feeling worn out after a short walk or an easy day at work, you may be at risk for something much more serious.
Studies Show Fatigue Could Be Linked To This Heart Condition
Researchers recently conducted a study of 625 seniors to calculate their 10-year risk of heart disease or stroke. After four and a half years, they were brought in to test their fatiguability with a treadmill test. Participants walked 1.5 mph for five minutes, an exercise that should require minimal effort. The research showed that participants with higher cardiovascular risk scores tired much more quickly than those with lower risk factors. The study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association concluded that those with cardiovascular health risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure
were more likely to experience fatigue later in life.
What This Study Means For You
Jennifer Schrack, the study's senior author, says that lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease was an important factor to consider for maintaining health and energy in later life. Schrack is an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and has a particular interest in raising public awareness for cardiovascular disease, the number one killer in the U.S. She said, "People don't like to hear, 'Eat right and exercise.' These are two of the biggest pieces of public health advice, and we say it related to almost every condition. But it's so true. People who are able to maintain their weight, maintain their activity level, tend to have less effects of fatigue and certainly less cardiovascular risk over time." If you are experiencing increased fatigue, consider a doctor's visit to monitor your heart health and overall wellness in regards to your lifestyle.
