Scientists say eight healthy habits can help substantially lower the chances of developing heart disease if followed from a young age.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that neglecting certain healthy habits when you are younger can make you 10 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke later in life.
In 2022, more than 941,000 Americans succumbed to cardiovascular disease, a blanket term that includes conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and more. According to the study’s co-author, Professor Donald Lloyd-Jones, it is hoped that young adults take heart health seriously as early as possible to reap the most benefits as they age.
“Our current observation indicates that change matters; improvements in heart health can decrease future risk, and the earlier it is attained and maintained, the better,” said Lloyd-Jones, per The Independent.
The researchers used the American Heart Association’s eight components for optimal cardiovascular health to identify individuals at a lower risk of developing heart disease. The eight habits include:
- Eating a healthy diet.
- Getting consistent restful sleep.
- Engaging in frequent physical activity.
- Avoiding nicotine.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Controlling cholesterol.
- Managing blood sugar.
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
The study examined more than 4,000 young adults aged 18 to 30. Scores of 100 were given based on the eight risk factors. The researchers later assessed how the scores evolved over the subsequent two decades, and how that impacted chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
People who maintained a high score across the 20-year period were found to have a very low risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Those who kept a moderate score possessed twice the risk, and those who went from a moderate to a low score were 10 times more at risk of having a cardiac event.
Earlier this month, The Dallas Express reported a study that found that nearly all heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiac events were preceded by at least one addressable warning sign. In over 99% of cases, individuals were found to have at least one risk factor, like smoking or elevated cholesterol.