A recent study has linked poor sleep to heart disease, says a very interesting recent article in Forbes. Specifically, researchers found that for elderly people with high blood pressure, getting less than 7.5 hours of sleep per night can increase their chance of heart disease.

They tracked the sleep of 1,255 people — the average age was 70.4 years — and followed their health for about 50 months. During the follow-up, there were 99 cardiovascular disease events such as stroke, heart attack and sudden cardiac death.

Over 1,200 people with an average age of 70.4 years were a part of the study, and for 50 months researchers tracked their sleep and followed their health. Those who got less than 7.5 hours of sleep per night were at the highest risk for heart disease. Basically, findings showed that in elderly individuals with hypertension, a shorter sleep duration is a predictor.

The researchers noted that in modern societies people are simply getting less sleep. And getting enough sleep can help prevent obesity and diabetes—as well as many heart disease risk factors. In short, getting a good night’s sleep every night is essential to good health.

Heart Disease: Are You at Risk?

Are you at risk for heart disease? Some things that can put you at risk for heart disease are: smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, stress and being obese or overweight. A family history of heart disease may also put you at risk.

Take a Heart Disease Test

Take a heart disease test if you’re at risk—taking the test can no doubt be beneficial to your health. The heart disease test offered at HealthCheckUSA is the most comprehensive health assessment we have to offer. This heart disease test is ideal for those who would like to establish or keep track of their overall baseline levels, and it’s offered at several of our laboratory locations across the country.