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Cardiovascular diseases

Deceleration of Declines in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Trends: A New Study Highlights the Importance of Heart Health in Young Adulthood

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Despite significant progress in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden over the past few decades, CVD remains the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. Recent data suggest a deceleration and reversal of declines in CVD morbidity and mortality over the past 10 years, which may be exacerbated by the prevalence of poor heart health among young adults. A new study by researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has found that unfavorable patterns of heart health in young adulthood are associated with an increased risk of CVD later in life.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which followed over 5,000 young adults from age 18 for 20 years.
  • The researchers used the Life's Essential 8 (LE8) scores to assess heart health in the study participants, with higher scores indicating better heart health.
  • The study found that individuals who maintained high LE8 scores over time had a significantly lower risk of heart attacks and strokes later in life, whereas those who declined in heart health had a higher risk.
  • People who started with moderate heart health and maintained it over time were at twice the risk for heart attacks and strokes, while those who declined to low heart health were at 10 times higher risk.
  • The researchers emphasized the importance of early intervention in heart health, stating that improvements made earlier in life can lead to better long-term outcomes.

Statistics:

  • The study followed over 5,000 young adults from age 18 for 20 years.
  • The researchers observed a significant decline in heart health over time, particularly among those who started with moderate or low heart health.
  • Up to 20% of young adults in the study had high LE8 scores, indicating excellent heart health.
  • Those with low LE8 scores (indicating poor heart health) were at a significantly higher risk of heart attacks and strokes later in life.
  • The researchers noted that small improvements in heart health can lead to large reductions in long-term risk of CVD.

Sources:

  • "Longitudinal Trajectories of Heart Health in Young Adulthood and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A 20-Year Perspective", JAMA Network Open (2023) [1]
  • American Heart Association (AHA), "Life's Essential 8: A Simple Way to Assess Heart Health and Make Changes to Improve It" (2022) [2]
  • Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, "Cardiovascular Disease Research" [3]
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, "Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study" [4]

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