Decline in Cardiovascular Health Among Older Adults with Common Heart Conditions

Recent research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals a concerning decline in cardiovascular health among Americans aged 65 and older, particularly those suffering from conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, or heart failure. The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2013 and 2018, involving over 3,000 older adults, and found that overall cardiovascular health scores are worsening in this demographic.

The assessment was based on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, a comprehensive measure that evaluates eight key health components including diet, physical activity, smoking, sleep, body mass index, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Scores below 50 were considered low, 50-79 moderate, and 80 or above high. Findings indicated that the average score for adults without cardiovascular disease was 68, but those with one or more cardiovascular conditions scored lower, often below 60.

Specifically, individuals with high blood pressure saw a decline of about 4.1% in their health scores from 2013 to 2018. Participants with a history of stroke experienced an 11.5% decrease, while those with heart failure saw a decline of 15.2%. These declines were largely driven by poor blood pressure management and low physical activity levels among these groups.

Researchers emphasize the importance of early intervention and lifestyle modifications. Dr. James M. Walker, a co-author of the study, highlighted that physical activity and blood pressure control were notably inadequate in those with cardiovascular illness. The study underscores the need for healthcare professionals to proactively support heart-healthy behaviors in older adults.

The analysis also revealed that healthier individuals tend to have higher scores, but overall, older adults with cardiovascular diseases face significant challenges in maintaining optimal health metrics. As the aging population grows, experts stress the importance of preventive strategies and continuous health monitoring to improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

This research highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to reverse these declining trends and support healthier aging, especially in populations with existing heart conditions. It also advocates for early adoption of heart-healthy lifestyles from a young age to mitigate risks later in life. Continued efforts and public health policies are vital to address this emerging issue.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-heart-health-declining-older-adults.html