Ideal Cardiovascular Health During Adult Life and Cardiovascular Structure and Function Among the Elderly

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Higher American Heart Association cardiovascular health scores (CVHS) are linked to reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence.
• The long-term impact of midlife CVHS on late-life CVD prevalence and cardiac function is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between CVHS attainment and changes over time with CVD prevalence and cardiac structure/function in older adults.
• To evaluate the long-term cardiovascular benefits of maintaining ideal cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Atherosclerosis in Communities (ARIC) study (1987-2013).
• Assessed 6 ideal CVHS metrics: nonsmoking, BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, and physical activity.
• Analyzed CVHS attainment, change (slope per decade), and trajectory, correlating with CVD prevalence and echocardiographic measures.

Main Results:

• CVHS was generally low at baseline and decreased with age.
• Greater CVHS attainment and improvement over time were associated with lower CVD prevalence.
• Higher CVHS was linked to better left ventricular structure, systolic, and diastolic function in late life.

Conclusions:

• Achieving and improving ideal cardiovascular health from midlife to late life is associated with reduced CVD prevalence and enhanced cardiac function in elderly individuals.
• Consistent primordial and primary prevention efforts throughout life are crucial for mitigating the burden of CVD in older populations.