New Study: Heart Health in Youth Predicts Future Cardiovascular Risk
A new study spanning four decades reveals the critical role of heart health in young adulthood. It shows that habits formed early can significantly impact the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
The research, involving over 4,200 young adults, found that those with good cardiovascular health in their early years maintained it as they aged. Conversely, those with poor health saw a steady decline. The study used the Life's Essential 8 score to assess overall heart health, considering factors like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and health behaviours.
Four distinct trajectory patterns emerged: persistent high, persistent moderate, moderate declining, and moderate/low declining. The worse the heart health trajectory, the greater the risk of cardiovascular events later in life. Poor cardiovascular health in early adulthood was linked to a tenfold increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease later on. However, the study also highlighted that even later lifestyle changes can still help protect against heart attack and stroke.
The study underscores the importance of building heart-healthy habits early in life. It also emphasizes the need for early education and intervention to prevent poor cardiovascular health trajectories. Anyone can use the Life's Essential 8 to understand key factors shaping their heart health and take steps to improve it, even if they didn't adopt healthy habits in their youth.
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