Life’s Essential 8: Updating and Enhancing the American Heart Association’s Construct of Cardiovascular Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association

The paper outlines the American Heart Association's updated "Life’s Essential 8," a framework for cardiovascular health that adds sleep health to the original seven metrics. These metrics—diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure—are now measured with a 0-100 point system for more nuanced tracking of individual and population health. This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining high cardiovascular health for better outcomes, including reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and improved overall brain function.

Adopting the "Life’s Essential 8" behaviors, such as eating a healthy diet (e.g., Mediterranean-style), exercising regularly, maintaining healthy sleep patterns, and avoiding smoking, may significantly boost cardiovascular and brain health. These changes are well-supported by evidence linking these factors to cognitive and overall well-being.