Early Adoption of Heart-Healthy Habits in Young Adults Can Lower Future Cardiovascular Risk

Despite significant advancements over the past decades, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death globally, including in the United States. Recent data indicates a slowing or reversal of progress in reducing CVD-related illness and mortality rates. A contributing factor to this troubling trend is the widespread presence of poor heart health, especially among young adults.

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has highlighted the importance of maintaining good cardiovascular health early in life. The study focused on how patterns of heart health from young adulthood influence the risk of developing serious cardiovascular issues later in life. Published in JAMA Network Open, the research analyzed data from thousands of individuals starting at age 18, tracking their heart health over 20 years and correlating these patterns with the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes in subsequent decades.

The study employed the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) framework—a set of eight lifestyle and health factors including diet, physical activity, tobacco use, sleep quality, weight management, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Participants’ LE8 scores were assessed at the beginning and throughout the study period. Findings revealed that individuals consistently maintaining high LE8 scores had a very low risk of future cardiovascular events. Those with moderate scores that remained steady also faced a doubled risk, whereas individuals whose scores declined from moderate to low faced a tenfold increase in the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

This research underscores that early lifestyle improvements in heart health can significantly influence lifespan and overall health span. The earlier young adults adopt and sustain healthy behaviors, the greater the long-term benefits. Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that focusing on heart health as early as possible can deliver substantial lifelong advantages, urging young adults to prioritize these lifestyle changes to achieve sustained cardiovascular well-being.

The study offers valuable insights into how trajectories of heart health impact future disease risk and highlights the importance of early intervention. Making simple but consistent health modifications—such as better diet, increased activity, smoking cessation, quality sleep, and blood pressure control—can markedly reduce the chances of experiencing life-threatening cardiovascular events as one ages.