Ideal CVD Health

Ideal Cardiovascular Health

  • The AHA recently defined a new concept of “ideal cardiovascular health” defined by the absence of clinical CVD and the presence of all seven ideal levels (Table 131A):
Table 131 A. New Concept of “Ideal Cardiovascular Health” by the American Heart Association1
1. Total cholesterol <200 mg/dL
2. Blood pressure <120/80 mm Hg
3. Fasting blood glucose <100 mg/dL
4. Lean body mass index <25 kg/m2 (<23 kg/m2 for Asians)
5. Abstinence from smoking
6. Participation in physical activity at recommended levels
7. Adherence to healthy behaviors, including pursuit of a Dietary Approach toStop Hypertension (DASH Diet)– like eating pattern
  • When achieved or maintained into middle age, the overall pattern of ideal cardiovascular health is associated with greater longevity; dramatic reductions in short-term, intermediate-term, and lifetime risks for CVD events; greater quality of life in older ages; and lower Medicare costs at older ages.1

Source 

1. Lloyd-Jones D. M., Hong Y, Labarthe D, et al. Defining and setting national goals for cardiovascular health promotion and disease reduction: the American Heart Association’s strategic Impact Goal through 2020 and beyond. Circulation. Feb 2 2010;121(4):586-613.

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