Factors giving rise to multimorbidity
Certain modifiable risk factors could be linked to chronic diseases.
In a study published in The Lancet Health Longevity, investigators examined the health, lifestyle and socioeconomic data of more than 2,000 participants born between 1934 and 1944 to monitor the development of chronic conditions across the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neurologic, psychiatric, sensory and gastrointestinal systems.
The investigators noted that midlife clinical indicators like body mass index, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose levels were predictive of the development of chronic conditions. Additionally, each decade of older age, smoking status and alcohol consumption increased the risk of multimorbidity; whereas a healthier diet and greater physical activity led to less accumulation of disease across organ systems.
The findings indicated that many chronic diseases may share risk factors, but their predictive effects could vary based on the organ system. However, the investigators concluded that further studies are needed to better illuminate the factors affecting disease accumulation.
Read more: The Lancet Health Longevity
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