The American Heart Association (AHA) has a Life's Simple 7 checklist, and studies have shown that those who follow the suggestions on the list have a decreased risk of developing heart failure.
“Even though there is awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, many people don’t act on those messages,” Dr. Vanessa Xanthakis, a senior author of the study, said. “This study points to the importance of knowing your numbers and speaking to your doctor about improving your score on each health metric and trying to get as close to ideal status as possible.”
Life's Simple 7 is comprised of common-sense health tips: managing blood pressure, watching cholesterol levels, keeping blood sugar down, getting exercise, eating healthier, losing weight and quitting smoking.
Researchers on the study observed 3,201 people -- with an average age of 59 years -- for as many as 12 years, as they followed the recommendations on the Simple 7 list. Of the more than 3,200 participants, only 188 developed heart failure.
“This is a useful metric for a healthy lifestyle that may not only help you reduce your chances of heart attack and stroke, but also of developing heart failure in the future,” Dr. Matthew Nayor, the study's lead author, said.
