A new study analyzed data regarding 4,289 former U.S. soldiers and discovered that IQ (a measurement of a person’s ability to reason and problem solve) may play a significant role in the difference in heart disease rates and stroke deaths between those of high versus low socioeconomic status. In this study, scientists found that IQ accounted for more than 20% of said difference, even when taking into account factors such as obesity and smoking.

Researchers are not entirely sure by which mechanism(s) IQ impacts cardiovascular health; however, they do note that IQ has been strongly related to socioeconomic status (i.e. lower socioeconomic status = lower IQ overall) and that people of lower socioeconomic status have worse health as a whole.

For more information visit http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/07/15/lower-iq-linked-to-higher-risk-of-heart-deaths.html.