Adherence to American Heart Association's 'Life’s Essential 8' List Could Slow Biological Ageing by Six Years, Studies Suggest

New research on over 6,500 adults finds following the guidelines of the American Heart Association's 'Life's Essential 8' can biologically decelerate aging by six years, implying a healthier and potentially extended lifespan.

New research suggests that adherence to the American Heart Association's 'Life’s Essential 8' guidelines could slow biological ageing by up to six years. These guidelines include staying physically active, consuming a good diet, not smoking, maintaining a healthy sleep pattern, and keeping body weight, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar in check.
The analysis, presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2023, is based on data from more than 6,500 adults with an average age of 47. Individuals with the highest cardiovascular health were found to be biologically six years younger than their actual age.
Phenotypic age acceleration, the difference between a person's biological age and actual age, was measured through studying their metabolism, organ function, and inflammation. Higher values are indicative of accelerated biological aging.
The study found a dose-dependent association between the 'Life’s Essential 8' score and biological age. As cardiovascular health improves, biological aging decelerates, potentially hinting at a healthier, extended lifespan.
In other studies on biological age, researchers have found a higher susceptibility to age-related diseases, including dementia and stroke, when a person's biological age surpasses their chronological age. Experts suggest that monitoring internal aging processes might deliver preventative opportunities.