Updated Heart Health Guidelines Add Sleep and Vaping to Checklist

1/23/2023

The American Heart Association’s heart health checklist now includes new measures for better cardiovascular health. AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 checklist added healthy sleep as a necessary component of heart health and emphasized the importance of eating whole foods, vegetables, lean protein and more. The checklist also added vaping and exposure to secondhand smoke as risk factors to avoid.

Sleep is essential for cardiovascular health, proper brain function and a strong immune system, but 35% of U.S. adults don’t get enough. Sleeping the recommended seven to nine hours a night can reduce the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, dementia and depression. For more restful sleep, stop using electronic devices at least one hour before bed and keep a consistent bedtime and waking schedule.

Smoking traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes and now vaping is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. In addition to chronic conditions like lung disease and some cancers, smoking is also linked to one third of all deaths from heart disease. Smoking hurts others, too. According to the AHA, half of U.S. children between ages three and 11 are exposed to secondhand smoke and vapor.

Other key measures in AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 checklist for optimal heart health include 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) and managing blood pressure and blood sugar.

Merit Health Biloxi will be launching a 28-day heart challenge for Heart Month this February. Sign up now to get great ideas for daily actions to improve your heart health, https://www.merithealthbiloxi.com/heart-challenge.

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