A new study from Emory University shows that keeping your heart healthy can significantly boost both physical and psychological well-being.
Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the review analysed findings from nearly 500 peer-reviewed studies and found that heart-healthy behaviours benefit far more than just the heart. These habits improve brain function, vision, hearing, muscle strength, and help lower the risk of chronic conditions such as cancer and dementia.
It has long been known that heart and brain health are connected. However, this review shows that nearly every organ system and bodily function benefits from a heart-healthy lifestyle.
The review is the first to systematically examine how the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7™ metrics (avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar) impact multiple organ systems. The updated Life’s Essential 8™ also includes sleep as a critical component.
Key findings include:
- People with heart-healthy habits were more likely to maintain brain and lung function, vision, hearing, muscle strength, and dental health as they age.
- They had lower levels of stress hormones and reduced risks of chronic conditions, including cancer, COPD, pneumonia, Alzheimer’s, dementia, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, and kidney disease.
- They reported a higher quality of life and had a lower risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, sleep disorders, metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, mobility issues, and early death.
- They experienced lower healthcare costs, fewer medical visits, and reduced non-cardiovascular disease expenses.
Supported by the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health, the study highlights the need for further research in underrepresented populations, including children and pregnant women, and underscores that even small lifestyle improvements can lead to substantial health benefits.
Source: Emory Health Sciences
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