logo
Adults with heart-healthy metrics had better health from head to toe

Adults with heart-healthy metrics had better health from head to toe

Research Highlights:
Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET, Wednesday, July 16, 2025
( NewMediaWire ) - July 16, 2025 - DALLAS — People who had more heart-healthy habits and factors, as assessed by the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7(TM) metrics for ideal cardiovascular health, had more positive benefits for whole body health, according to a review of research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
Life's Simple 7 was launched by the American Heart Association in 2010 to define and quantify the spectrum of heart health based on seven lifestyle and health measures: not smoking, healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, healthy weight and normal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In 2022, the metrics were refined to include sufficient sleep and more detailed scoring. The updated cardiovascular health metric is now called Life's Essential 8(TM).
While the cardiovascular benefits of optimal cardiovascular health in terms of Life's Simple 7 were already well-established, this is the first systematic review that examines the benefits to organs beyond the heart and death from cardiovascular disease and other causes, according to study authors.
'A few years ago, we learned that heart health and brain health are very closely tied. Through this review, we found that almost every organ system and bodily function also benefits from maintaining the healthy lifestyle behaviors of Life's Simple 7,' said lead study author Liliana Aguayo, Ph.D., M.P.H., a research assistant professor at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and the Global Diabetes Research Center at Emory University in Atlanta. 'We were pleasantly surprised to find that Life's Simple 7 at optimal levels touched every aspect of health, from head to toe. It goes well beyond just cardiovascular health to encompass whole-body health.'
Researchers reviewed nearly 500 research studies published in the decade after Life's Simple 7 was introduced that had incorporated at least three of Life's Simple 7 measures. Ideal cardiovascular health was defined as having six or seven of the metrics at high levels.
Among the findings:
'These findings confirm that healthy lifestyle metrics — eating well, exercising and not smoking — are key components to optimal health, in addition to maintaining healthy weight, normal blood pressure, and cholesterol blood sugar levels, which are the conventional risk factors for cardiovascular disease,' Aguayo said.
'The ideal cardiovascular health metrics in Life's Simple 7 and now Life's Essential 8 are based on extensive scientific research that recognizes the majority of heart disease and stroke can be prevented,' said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and senior vice president of women's health and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women's Health of Northwell Health in New York City. 'The findings in this review study indicate that these healthy lifestyle metrics are also a path to improving health and well-being across the board, from head to toe. Preventing cardiovascular disease and reducing cardiovascular disease risk, the centerpieces for Life's Essential 8, are the core of the American Heart Association's mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.'
The review findings are limited due to the scoring system of Life's Simple 7, which rates each category broadly as ideal, intermediate or poor and is less precise than is now possible under the methods of Life's Essential 8, according to Aguayo. Because this study relies on published literature, it may under-represent studies with negative or inconclusive findings, researchers said.
The investigators called for more research especially among children, pregnant women and populations in less-studied areas of the world. Also, more research is needed on both the benefits of even small improvements in these health metrics and the mechanisms that are pathways between Life's Simple 7 or Life's Essential 8 and better health.
Study details, background and design:
This review was partially funded by a Strategically Focused Research Network grant from
the American Heart Association as well as a grant from the National Institutes of Health. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the American Heart Association. Co-authors and disclosures are listed in the manuscript.
Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here.
Additional Resources:
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173
Staff contact: [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How to watch 'Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse' online — stream latest spinoff from anywhere
How to watch 'Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse' online — stream latest spinoff from anywhere

Tom's Guide

time15 hours ago

  • Tom's Guide

How to watch 'Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse' online — stream latest spinoff from anywhere

The small screen behemoth that is the "Naked and Afraid" franchise has yet another spinoff starting this Sunday, with its new "Apocalypse" iteration taking the action to the barely habitable plains of South Africa. You can watch "Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse" online around the world and from anywhere with a VPN. "Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse" premieres on Sunday, July 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.• U.S. — Discovery+ (7-day FREE trial) | HBO Max• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk-free Those familiar with previous versions of "Naked and Afraid" will be all too familiar with the concept — a dozen survivalists are dropped into an unforgiving landscape without a thread of clothing on their back and equipped with only one useful tool or item of their choice. This latest spinoff derives its names from the environment that will greet them. Set in South Africa, the scorched wasteland looks like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie, complete with burnt out cars, abandoned mine shafts, arid desert and the nearby threat of some of the planet's most dangerous predators. The aim this time isn't merely to survive, but to escape back to civilization. Luckily, you get to enjoy the show from the comfort of your own living room, so read on to find out how to watch "Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse" online and stream the latest spinoff show from anywhere. "Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse" premieres on the Discovery Channel on Sunday, July 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. with new episodes airing in the same slot weekly. Episodes will also stream on Discovery Plus (7-day FREE trial and then from $5.99/month) and HBO Max (from $9.99/month). Cord cutters have the option to watch the Discovery Channel on one of the best cable TV alternatives such as Sling TV, Hulu+Live TV, and DirecTV Stream. Traveling outside the States? Simply use a VPN to unblock your usual U.S. streaming services when abroad. Details below. Sling TV is one of the most affordable live TV services on the market. As well as Discovery Channel, the Sling Blue package carries more than 40 channels including Fox and NBC (in select cities), AMC, Bravo, Food Network, HGTV, Lifetime and USA. Plans start at $46/month, and you can save on your first month of Sling TV now. Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching "Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse" on your usual subscription? You can still watch the show thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software enables your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. Ideal when you're away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN — you can find out why in our NordVPN review. NordVPN July Deal: 70% off Boasting lightning fast speeds, great features, streaming power, and class-leading security, NordVPN is our #1 VPN. ✅ Money back guarantee✅ 70% off usual price✅ Amazon gift card worth up to $50 Use Nord to unblock Discocvery+ US and watch "Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse" online with our exclusive deal. Using a VPN is incredibly simple. 1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite. 2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting Canada and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select a U.S. server from the list. 3. Sit back and enjoy the action. head to your streaming service or app of choice and tune in just as you would at home. Discovery Plus is home to "Naked and Afraid" in the U.K., but at the time of publication there's no word on whether this new iteration transfer across the Atlantic. If you're an American across the pond for work or on vacation you can catch the show by using a VPN, such as NordVPN. With a dedicated "Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse" page on the Discovery Plus website, it seems sensible to assume that the show will land there in due course. However, we can't yet find a date for when it might start. Discovery Plus plans start from CA$5.99 in Canada. Remember, U.S. viewers currently traveling north of the border can use a VPN to stream as they would at home. We recommend NordVPN. "Naked and Afraid" shows generally air in Foxtel in Australia. However, there's sign yet of "Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse" in its upcoming listings. Anybody currently Down Under from the U.S. can use one of the best VPN services to access their usual streaming service. We recommend NordVPN thanks to its speed, reliability and trusted security features. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Alert Issued To Millions To Monitor Chest Discomfort
Alert Issued To Millions To Monitor Chest Discomfort

Newsweek

timea day ago

  • Newsweek

Alert Issued To Millions To Monitor Chest Discomfort

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Air quality alerts have been announced by local authorities, and shared by the federal National Weather Service (NWS), across Vermont and Maine for Saturday due to pollution levels. A separate air quality alert has also been issued for Mesa County in Colorado due to smoke caused by wildfires. Why It Matters According to the NWS sensitive groups, such as children, older people and those with lung or heart disease, may "experience adverse respiratory symptoms" due to the conditions. What To Know The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (VANR) has issued an air quality alert "for fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke" on Sunday covering Grand Isle, Western Franklin, Orleans, Essex, Western Chittenden, Lamoille, Caledonia, Washington, Western Addison, Orange, Eastern Franklin, Eastern Chittenden and Eastern Addison until 11 p.m. ET in the evening. The state agency says "all individuals should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion" in impacted areas, with those outside urged to "take more breaks and do less intense activities" while also keeping an eye for symptoms such as shortness of breath or coughing. Those with heart disease are urged to contact their health care provider if they experience symptoms such as "palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue" which "may indicate a serious problem." Asthma sufferers should keep their medication handy and follow their action plans. A separate VANR air quality alert due to particle pollution in wildfire smoke has been issued until 11 p.m. ET on Saturday for Western Rutland, Eastern Rutland, Western Windsor and Eastern Windsor with the same health advice in place. For these areas the air quality index is expected to "approach or exceed" an unhealthy level for sensitive groups. The VANR has also imposed an air quality alert on Bennington, Western Windham and Eastern Windham until 11 p.m. ET on Saturday due to "fine particulates" which are expected to "approach or exceed the Code Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category." Those living in these areas are advised to take the same precautions that were suggested for the previous two alerts. In Maine the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's (MDEP) Bureau of Air Quality has issued an air quality alert related to particle pollution for Southern Penobscot, Interior Hancock, Central Washington, Coastal Hancock and Coastal Washington until 11 p.m. ET on Saturday. Stock photograph showing smoke from the Dragon Bravo fire filling the Grand Canyon along the South Rim near the Yavapai Geology Museum on July 17, 2025 in Grand Canyon, Arizona. Stock photograph showing smoke from the Dragon Bravo fire filling the Grand Canyon along the South Rim near the Yavapai Geology Museum on July 17, 2025 in Grand Canyon, Arizona. Scott Olson/GETTY The agency advises people to limit strenuous outside physical activity particularly for groups that "may be especially sensitive" such as the elderly and those with respiratory problems. It adds: "If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities." The MDEP has also issued an air quality alert until 11 p.m. ET on Saturday for Northern Oxford, Northern Franklin, Central Somerset, Southern Oxford, Southern Franklin, Southern Somerset, Interior York, Central Interior Cumberland, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Interior Waldo, Coastal York, Coastal Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, Coastal Waldo and Interior Cumberland Highlands. Identical health advise has been issued to those in these areas and those covered by the previous MDEP alert with the agency noting: "A plume of smoke moved into Maine overnight bringing much higher particle pollution values than previously expected. As the day progresses, the plume of smoke is expected to keep moving and values should drop down but air quality will continue to be a health concern for much of the day for these regions." Those in Maine can call 1-800-223-1196 poll free to get updates on the air quality situation. Finally an air quality health advisory notice for wildfire and smoke has been issued for Mesa County in Colorado by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment until 9 a.m. MTS on Saturday. The agency warns: "If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy." In Florida a NWS heat advisory notice is in place for a number of cities on Saturday with the federal agency warning of the danger from "heat-related illness." What People Are Saying For areas impacted by its alert the VANR said: "It's OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. "People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy. If you have heart disease: symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider." Meanwhile the MDEP said: "The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, the elderly, those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and anyone who is working hard outdoors. "But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities." What Happens Next Heading into next week a severe heat dome is expected to strike large swathes of the United States with up to 300 temperature records potentially being challenged across the country.

3 critical signs of cardiac arrest in the wake of Hulk Hogan's death
3 critical signs of cardiac arrest in the wake of Hulk Hogan's death

New York Post

timea day ago

  • New York Post

3 critical signs of cardiac arrest in the wake of Hulk Hogan's death

Hulk Hogan has wrestled his last match — taken down not by a rival in the ring, but by one of America's top killers: cardiac arrest. News broke Thursday morning that the wrestling icon, born Terry Gene Bollea, had died after weeks of declining health. 'He was suffering from shortness of breath, got tired easily, had lost a lot of weight and was on oxygen as his life ebbed away at his mansion in Clearwater, Florida,' an insider alleged to the Daily Mail. 6 Getty Images While Hogan, 71, may have built his legacy surviving body slams and steel cages, cardiac arrest proved to be one opponent even the handlebar-mustachioed marvel couldn't overpower. Globally, the condition claims more lives each year than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, pneumonia, car crashes, the flu, HIV and house fires combined, according to the American Heart Association. In the US alone, cardiac arrest kills more than 436,000 Americans every year — making it one of the nation's deadliest health threats. Here's everything you need to know about this heart-stopping emergency and how to act before it's too late. What is cardiac arrest? It's a deadly medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating — or beats so erratically that it can't pump blood at all, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 6 Anciens – When that happens, oxygen stops flowing to the brain and vital organs. Within minutes, the body starts shutting down — and without immediate help, the chances of death are high. Despite common confusion, cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. A heart attack is a circulation problem caused by a blocked artery that cuts off blood flow to the heart muscle. Cardiac arrest, by contrast, is an electrical malfunction. The heart's rhythm goes haywire, and the muscle flatlines. Who's at risk for cardiac arrest? The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest is an irregular heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation, which keeps the heart from pumping blood effectively, according to the Mayo Clinic. Certain heart conditions — like coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, and a history of heart attacks — can increase the risk of this dangerous rhythm. But cardiac arrest can also strike people with no known heart issues. Other factors that may increase your chances include: Smoking or heavy alcohol/drug use High blood pressure or cholesterol Low potassium or magnesium levels Obesity Diabetes Sleep apnea Chronic kidney disease A sedentary lifestyle A family history of heart disease or cardiac arrest While the risk of cardiac arrest increases with age, it can strike at any time — even in children. In fact, sudden cardiac arrests happen in about 1 in every 70 schools each year, often impacting young athletes. 6 Hulk Hogan had faced a slew of health issues and suffered from a 'weak heart' in the lead-up to his death. George Napolitano / Men generally face higher odds of cardiac arrest, but women's risk rises after menopause. Warning signs to watch for 'The typical signs of a cardiac arrest include abrupt loss of consciousness with eyes rolled back, seizure-like activity due to lack of oxygen flow to the brain, and irregular, labored or no breathing,' Dr. Irfan Asif, professor and chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine University of Alabama at Birmingham, said in an interview. He added that someone suffering cardiac arrest may have a very weak pulse — or no pulse at all. 6 A sudden collapse is usually the first noticeable sign of sudden cardiac arrest. Rainer Fuhrmann – Other warning signs that can come before cardiac arrest include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness and heart palpitations like a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart. But here's the kicker: Sometimes there are no warnings at all. That's why knowing how to respond can mean the difference between life and death. What should you do if someone goes into cardiac arrest? 'If you are experiencing a cardiac arrest, try to get to a place where you are not alone, or signal to someone you are in distress before you are incapacitated,' Dr. John Bozinovski, a cardiac surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told HuffPost. If you see someone collapse and suspect cardiac arrest, act fast. First, check if they're responsive by loudly asking, 'Are you okay?' and gently shaking their shoulders. Look for a pulse and check if they're breathing normally, according to the University of California, Davis. 6 AED's are commonly found in public places like airports, schools, shopping malls, office buildings and sporting venues. brostock – If others are nearby, assign someone to call 911 and another to find an automated external defibrillator (AED), which can shock the heart back to rhythm. If you're alone, call 911 yourself and put the phone on speaker. For children, start CPR right away. For adults, get the AED quickly, as it's usually a heart issue. To perform CPR, lay the person on their back on a firm surface, tilt their head back to open the airway, and check for breathing. If they're not breathing, begin chest compressions: place your hands, one on top of the other, in the center of the chest, pressing hard (about 2 inches deep for adults) at 100–120 compressions per minute. 6 CPR can help maintain blood flow and oxygenation until emergency responders arrive. THANAGON – Use the AED as soon as it arrives and follow its prompts. Alternate CPR and AED use until help arrives or the person wakes up. Every minute without intervention after a cardiac arrest lowers survival chances by 10%. Yet fewer than half receive timely help, according to the American Red Cross. While CPR or AED use can double or triple survival odds, studies show bystanders use an AED only 7% of the time and perform CPR 42% of the time when witnessing a public cardiac arrest. Experts are urging everyone to learn CPR to boost those numbers. 'Everyone should take an in-person CPR course at least once, with a refresher every two to three years,' Dr. Eric Goralnick, associate professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School, advised. 'You could save the life of a family member, friend, or even a stranger,' he added, noting that many CPR classes also cover first aid and AED use.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store