A heart-healthy lifestyle includes exercise, good nutrition and other attributes, according to a health metrics plan outlined by the American Heart Association.
But what affect does a heart-healthy lifestyle have on total health of people in the U.S. and abroad? That question was one of several addressed in a recent study published in the May 2016 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings [1], a medical journal.
The findings: There is a clear link between ideal cardiovascular health metrics and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and other conditions, such as cancer and depression, says Khurram Nasir, M.D., [2]and medical director of the Center for Healthcare Advancement and Outcomes at Baptist Health South Florida.
“Considering the strong association of cardiovascular health metrics with both cardiovascular disease and non-cardiovascular disease outcomes, a coordinated global effort for improving cardiovascular health should be considered a priority,” the study says.
Dr. Nasir — one of the key co-authors of the study — spoke to the Baptist Health News Team. Watch now.