AHA's 'Life's Simple 7' Heart-Healthy Metrics also Helps Reduce Chronic Diseases

The American Heart Association (AHA) has suggested seven heart-healthy metrics, also called as AHA's Life's Simple 7 metrics, that includes smoking, body mass index, physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose. A new study has revealed that achieving these seven heart-healthy metrics also helps reduce many other chronic diseases. For the study, researchers analyzed the health information of 6,814 adults, who were followed for an average 10.2 years. Each component of the Life's Simple 7 metrics was categorized into three levels- ideal, intermediate and poor.

The team observed that rates of non-cardiovascular diseases overall were lower with improving Life's Simple 7 health status. They also found compared to those in the poor category, subjects in the ideal category of the Life's Simple 7 score had a 20% lower risk for cancer; 62% lower risk for chronic kidney disease; 43% lower risk for pneumonia; and 49% lower risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Researchers said, "Our results suggest that achieving these seven ideal heart health metrics can reduce the burden of many chronic diseases."

The study has been presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015.

Source-ANI