New research highlights how heart health impacts overall well-being. A recent review analyzed ten years of studies on ideal cardiovascular health, showing that good heart health is linked to better functioning in other body systems.
According to the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7™ metrics, having heart-healthy habits leads to a lower risk of serious conditions like dementia, cancer, limb amputation, and more. Launched in 2010, these metrics include not smoking, eating well, exercising regularly, and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. In 2022, the American Heart Association updated these metrics to Life’s Essential 8™, adding the importance of sleep.
This review is the first to systematically examine the wide-ranging benefits of good cardiovascular health beyond the heart itself. “Heart health is closely linked to brain health and affects almost every part of the body,” said Dr. Liliana Aguayo from Emory University. “It goes beyond just cardiovascular health; it includes overall health.”
Researchers reviewed nearly 500 studies published after Life’s Simple 7 was introduced. They found that individuals with higher scores on these metrics generally maintained better brain, lung, vision, and muscle function as they aged. Notably, those who scored high also had lower rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
One striking statistic is that only about 4% of people worldwide achieve ideal cardiovascular health. Achieving high scores is particularly important, as studies show maintaining heart health at a young age is connected to lower health risks later in life. For instance, young women whose mothers had good heart health during pregnancy were nearly eight times less likely to face cardiovascular issues themselves.
Dr. Stacey Rosen, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of focusing on lifestyle: “Eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking are crucial not only for heart health but for overall health too.” She noted that the metrics from Life’s Essential 8™ are grounded in scientific research that shows prevention is possible for many heart conditions.
Despite these positive findings, researchers call for more studies, especially focused on children and expectant mothers, to understand the long-term impacts of these health metrics. Improvements in these areas could lead to significant advancements in public health.
This study not only reinforces known health concepts but also encourages ongoing efforts to promote and understand cardiovascular health. In a world where health challenges are increasing, small changes can result in big improvements for the body as a whole.
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