U. researcher finds helpful hints for healthy heart

For years, one apple has gotten the reputation of keeping the doctor away. But drinking two glasses of wine may now be the best piece of advice. According to Associate Nursing Professor Laura Hayman, wine, consumed in moderation, could decrease the risks of cardiovascular disease in otherwise healthy people. As part of Hayman's recent research on twins, she found that cholesterol is determined through environmental factors and not based solely on genetic factors as was previously believed. "[One's] lifestyle can significantly influence one's cardiovascular health at all stages," Hayman said. "Don't just look at cholesterol, look at the entire risk factor profile." Hayman said she is working on a long-range research project to investigate the sources of high cholesterol in children. One of her recent findings suggests that cholesterol tests should be given to children by age two. Hayman also found that three primary lifestyle factors influence both cholesterol and blood pressure: physical activity, diet, and smoking. She said that strict dietary regimens and exercise routines should be established early in life and practiced consistently to minimize the risk of disease. But Hayman said that although good habits are learned early in life, it is still important for college students to pick up the habits now if they have not already. Hayman said one key aspect crucial for maintaining good health is a regime of physical activity. She added that High Density Lipoproteins, the factor which lowers the risk of heart disease, can be increased by exercise. "People [of today's generation] should live to be 90 with all we know [about medical treatments]," Hayman said. But exercise combined with a diet of pizza and cheesesteaks is not enough, Hayman said. A diet which is low in fat and high in fiber content could also decrease the chances of health problems. Smoking is the third environmental factor which Hayman said affects cholesterol levels. Quitting, she found, decreases the chances of having high cholesterol by lowering the concentration of HDL. "Lifestyle factors would help improve the risk factor profile," Hayman said. "It should decrease premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality."

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