A study indicates that young adults with superior cardiovascular health have a 65% lower risk of developing heart, stroke, and kidney diseases. Enhancing cardiovascular health also diminishes the risk of these conditions. Despite these findings, only 1% of participants in the study exhibited ideal heart health. Leading a heart-healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, as per the preliminary results of a study presented at the American Heart Association’s 2024 scientific sessions in Chicago. The study, not yet published in a peer-reviewed journal, underscores the importance of physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
The research reveals a strong connection between heart and kidney health, with most cardiovascular risk factors also linked to kidney disease. The South Korean study, tracking about 4 million adults under 40 over 12 years, found that those with ideal cardiovascular health were significantly less likely to experience heart or kidney disease or stroke. Improving cardiovascular health can reduce these risks, reinforcing the need for a lifelong commitment to good heart health for gradual risk reduction.
However, achieving excellent cardiovascular health is rare, with less than 1% of participants maintaining ideal heart scores long-term. This underscores the need for increased awareness among young adults about the benefits of a heart-healthy lifestyle from an early age.
The study also advocates for an integrated approach to treating heart and kidney diseases, noting the close relationship between these specialties. High blood pressure, a common factor in cardiovascular disease, is also a primary cause of kidney disease. Experts suggest more aggressive screening for kidney disease in younger individuals, similar to heart disease screening, to better understand and mitigate the risks of both conditions.