Young adults who abandon heart-healthy practices face 10 times greater risk of heart attack and stroke later in life compared to those maintaining good habits. A study tracked over 4,200 adults from ages 18-30 for 20 years, starting in 1985-1986. Researchers measured adherence to the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 guidelines, including healthy eating, exercise, tobacco cessation, sleep, weight management, and controlling cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. Participants whose heart health declined from moderate to low had 10 times greater disease risk, while those maintaining moderate habits had twice the risk and those with consistently poor habits had nearly six times the risk. Each 10-point drop in Life’s Essential 8 scores increased heart disease risk by 53%. (Story URL)
PHONE TOPIC: What healthy habits have you been sticking to the longest?