How Do We Define Ideal Cardiovascular Health?

Excerpts from an article by Cheryl Russo, M.D.  See the full article here.

The American Heart Association has released its Impact Goals for 2020, “to improve the ­cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent.”


While ambitious, these goals are attainable, considering that Impact Goals for 2010 were achieved a couple of years ahead of schedule.
 
How do we define ideal health? A collection of physicians and scientists has worked closely to specify seven features of ideal cardiovascular health, which can be observed and monitored to track the Impact Goals for 2020. These include:

1. No history of tobacco use, or quitting within the past 12 months.
2. A body mass index (BMI) of less than 25.
3. Blood pressure with a systolic number (top) less than 120 and a diastolic number  less than 80.
4. A fasting blood glucose level of less than 100 milligrams per deciliter. 
5. A total cholesterol level of less than 200 milligrams per deciliter. 
6. Physical activity of more than 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or more than 75 minutes per week of vigorous ­exercise. 
7. Following a diet promoting cardiovascular health (eating more than 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day; at least two servings of fish per week; three 1 ounce servings of fiber-rich whole grains per day; less than 1500 milligrams of sodium per day and less than three sugar-sweetened drinks per week).

More Americans meeting these seven goals will produce a healthier America.  Where do you stand? This month is a great time to discuss these health behaviors and factors with your primary doctor.