According to a recent study, U.S. heart health is not doing too well. Find out what this study has to say about Americans and heart health.
A new study appearing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that less than 7% of U.S. adults have optimal heart health. The study measured five major areas associated with heart and metabolic health: weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and status of cardiovascular disease.
These five areas are from the American Heart Association’s (AHA) definition of ideal cardiovascular and metabolic health. Moreover, the study shows that most U.S. adults have at least one risk factor such as being overweight or having had heart failure.
Study Findings
In addition to finding that few Americans have optimal heart health, the study also shows that cardiometabolic health is declining over time. According to the researchers, two big factors are driving the decline: an increase in overweight/obese individuals and rising glucose levels in the population.
Moreover, the study suggests that there is not an equal distribution of the risk across the population. To illustrate, optimal cardiometabolic health is increasing slightly over time in white adults. However, Americans who are male, Mexican American, Black, older, or less educated are more likely to have suboptimal cardiometabolic health than other demographics.
“We were definitely surprised by the magnitude of the problem,” says Meghan O’Hearn, co-author of the research and a doctoral candidate at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. “That’s a pretty dismal situation, and it’s only gotten worse over the last 20 years.”
Making Changes
Even though the findings may seem disturbing, O’Hearn hopes that this becomes a call to action for policymakers. According to O’Hearn, they can expand healthy food access by expanding the Supplementa; Nutrition Assistance Program, prioritizing health education, and more.
On their own, individuals can improve their cardiometabolic health by eating a heart-healthy diet and becoming more physically active. The AHA also provides a checklist of behaviors that are critical for optimal health. While improving cardiometabolic health is worthwhile for the U.S., it is also essential for individuals so they can live a longer life that is free of chronic disease.
The Outlook
According to the study, Americans have at least one risk factor that’s affecting their cardiometabolic health. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or any other risk factors, you need to get it under control.
Talk to your doctor to see if you need prescription medications or if lifestyle changes will suffice. On your own, you can start exercising more, eating healthier, and taking supplements like HeartBeet Complete. Its ingredients promote circulation, blood pressure, energy levels, and more. Give your heart the support it needs by making healthy changes in your life and taking HeartBeet Complete.
