Young Adulthood Heart Health Neglect Raises Cardiovascular Disease Risk Tenfold, Study Finds
CHICAGO - A new study from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine reveals a concerning link between heart health in young adulthood and the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Individuals wiht the poorest cardiovascular health during their 20s were found to have a nearly ten-fold increased risk of cardiovascular death later in life, highlighting a critical period for preventative action.
The research, published this week, centers around the ”Life’s Essential 8″ (LE8) score – a metric evaluating diet, exercise, nicotine exposure, sleep health, weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Researchers found that participants with the lowest LE8 scores faced a 9.96-fold increased risk of cardiovascular death compared to those with the highest scores.
“The sooner you start, the greater the impact,” stated Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, chair of Northwestern’s Department of Preventive Medicine. “And yet small changes in one of the eight indicators can make a big difference.”
The study underscores the importance of “primary prevention strategies” focused on improving the social, economic, and environmental conditions influencing heart care. Experts emphasize that young adults should proactively advocate for both their mental and physical well-being, paying particular attention to modifiable risk factors.
Dr. Sameer Rao, a cardiologist and lead study author, noted the impact of early life choices, stating, “Sleep health, nicotine exposure, sugar levels - all of those things can be impacted early in life.” he also recommended adopting healthier habits, including cooking at home with fresh ingredients, to support cardiovascular health.
