Exercise is good for your body and mind in many ways, but it is essential when it comes to preventing cardiovascular disease. Not only is cardiovascular disease the number one cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., it is also linked to hearing loss. We explore this connection below.
What Is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, kills an average of 610,000 Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This is because cardiovascular disease damages blood vessels, narrows the arteries and causes high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This can lead to heart attack or stroke.
According to Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., former executive director of the Better Hearing Institute, “An alarming number of Americans don’t understand how serious the threat of heart disease is to them personally, or how closely intertwined it is with other health conditions, such as hearing health. We urge women and men alike to know their risks and to take action today to protect their heart and hearing health.”
The Link Between Cardiovascular Disease & Hearing Loss
A 2018 study examined the relationship between cardiovascular disease risk factors and hearing loss. For the study, researchers tested the hearing and assessed the cardiovascular risk of over 5,000 participants.
The researchers found a strong correlation between cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss. They hypothesize that this is due to the fact that the ears rely on a healthy supply of blood in order to function.
Within the ears are tiny hair cells called stereocilia, which convert soundwaves into energy that the brain interprets as sound. When you have poor circulation, these cells are starved of blood and oxygen, resulting in permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
How to Protect Yourself Against Cardiovascular Disease
To protect yourself against heart disease, you should get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week. Talk to The GYM Sioux City to see what kinds of fun exercise classes they offer.
To learn more about the connection between heart health and hearing health or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test, call Hearing Health Centers today.
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