Scientists at the Tokyo Institute of Science have identified an unexpected link: elderly individuals living in poorly insulated homes face an elevated risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases. A six-year cohort study, published in BMJ Public Health, revealed that residents of detached private houses, where indoor temperatures are more susceptible to external weather conditions, experience a significantly higher likelihood of fatal cardiovascular events compared to those residing in apartments.
The study`s authors explain this phenomenon by the fact that detached homes retain heat less effectively, especially during colder months, as their walls are in direct contact with the external environment. Abrupt fluctuations in indoor temperatures trigger the constriction of blood vessels and significant spikes in arterial blood pressure. These factors, in turn, substantially increase the probability of myocardial infarction and stroke. It was observed that this effect is particularly pronounced in older men, who represent the group most sensitive to temperature changes.
Researchers emphasize that maintaining a stable and comfortable temperature within the home is not merely a matter of domestic comfort but a critically important factor for preserving health. They are convinced that upgrading thermal insulation and installing modern energy-efficient windows could significantly reduce cardiovascular disease mortality rates. These measures should be considered an integral part of a comprehensive preventive strategy, alongside principles of healthy eating and regular physical activity.
In the context of similar scientific discoveries, it was previously established that heat-treated sea buckthorn seeds possess the property of reducing platelet activity, which could potentially prevent the formation of undesirable blood clots.
