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.