Hypertension And Epigenetic Aging: Socio-Biological Pathways Of Health Disparity
We all have a chronological age, which is simply how many years we’ve been alive. But did you know you also have a “biological age”? This reflects the actual wear and tear on your body’s cells and tissues, which can be different from your chronological age. Scientists can estimate biological age using “epigenetic clocks,” which are like sophisticated biological timers. These clocks work by looking at patterns of “DNA methylation,” a natural process where tiny chemical tags attach to your DNA and influence how your genes work without changing the DNA sequence itself.
Recent research has shed light on a fascinating connection: when your biological age is “accelerated” – meaning your body appears older than your chronological age – it seems to increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This accelerated aging might even happen before a person is clinically diagnosed with hypertension.
What makes some people age biologically faster than others? The study also delves into “social determinants of health” (SDOH), which are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors, such as economic hardship or educational attainment, can significantly influence biological aging and contribute to health disparities, particularly in certain populations like African American women.
Understanding these socio-biological pathways helps us see how societal factors can literally get under our skin and impact our health at a molecular level. This knowledge is crucial for developing better strategies to prevent hypertension and address the health inequalities that exist in our communities.
Source: link to paper