The way you’ve been measuring heart health might be due for an update. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently introduced an important new metric to its cardiovascular health checklist, making a significant change that could impact how we think about heart health. The updated checklist now includes healthy sleep, transforming the previous “Life’s Simple 7” into “Life’s Essential 8.”
Life’s Essential 8 now includes:
- Diet
- Physical activity
- Nicotine exposure
- Body mass index
- Blood lipids
- Blood glucose
- Blood pressure
- Sleep
In addition to adding sleep as a key factor, the AHA has also updated four of the existing metrics (diet, nicotine exposure, blood lipids, and blood glucose) to reflect the latest research findings. Since the last update in 2010, our understanding of cardiovascular health has evolved significantly.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming about 659,000 lives each year—approximately 1 in every 4 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Understanding your current heart health is crucial, and the AHA’s My Life Check tool is designed to help. The tool scores your health on a scale of up to 100 points, based on how well you align with the Life’s Essential 8 metrics.
Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, president of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of this update. He explained that the AHA decided it was time to reassess the strengths and limitations of the previous checklist and improve the My Life Check tool. Research on sleep has advanced considerably, and its measurement has become more routine, thanks to heart monitors, smartwatches, and other wearable devices.
“We now have better ways to understand how long we are sleeping and, to some extent, the quality of that sleep,” says Dr. Lloyd-Jones. “Sleep is linked to each of the other seven metrics—our weight, diet, physical activity, blood pressure, and risk for diabetes. But it also independently contributes to our health, so we felt it was time to add an eighth metric.”
How Does Sleep Contribute to Heart Health?
The relationship between sleep and heart health is bidirectional, meaning that sleep influences heart health and vice versa.
“Our sleep and its quality are tied to our stress levels, the amount of physical activity we engage in, and, importantly, it significantly impacts our blood pressure both overnight and the following day,” says Dr. Lloyd-Jones.
The New Standard for Heart Health
The way you’ve been measuring heart health may no longer be up to date. The American Heart Association (AHA) has introduced an important new metric to its checklist for cardiovascular health. This addition could change how we approach and measure heart health.
What is Life’s Essential 8?
The AHA’s heart health checklist, once known as Life’s Simple 7, now includes a new metric—sleep—making it Life’s Essential 8. The full list now consists of:
- Diet
- Physical activity
- Nicotine exposure
- Body mass index
- Blood lipids
- Blood glucose
- Blood pressure
- Sleep
Why Sleep Was Added to the Checklist
Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, president of the AHA, explains why this update is significant. Recent research shows that sleep plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health. In fact, sleep impacts each of the other seven metrics. The AHA decided it was time to upgrade their My Life Check tool to include this vital component.
Understanding the Impact of Sleep on Heart Health
The relationship between sleep and heart health is bidirectional. Sleep affects your heart, and your heart health, in turn, affects the quality of your sleep. Dr. Lloyd-Jones highlights how sleep influences stress levels, physical activity, and even the types of food we find satisfying. Proper sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure, and reducing the risk of diabetes.
The My Life Check Tool: How It Works
To help you assess your heart health, the AHA’s My Life Check tool now includes all eight metrics. This tool scores users up to 100 points based on their lifestyle and health factors. By understanding your score, you can take the necessary steps to improve your heart health.
Conclusion: Taking Charge of Your Heart Health
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with over 659,000 deaths annually. Knowing your heart health status is crucial for making informed decisions about your well-being. With the addition of sleep to Life’s Essential 8, you now have a more comprehensive understanding of how to protect your heart.
