Updated American Heart Association Guidelines Address Sleep and Vaping
2/20/2023
TUCSON, AZ (Feb. 20, 2023) – The American Heart Association (AHA) added two items to its Life’s Essential 8 heart health checklist: Getting enough healthy sleep and avoiding vaping/exposure to secondhand smoke.
First: Sleep is essential for cardiovascular health (as well as optimal brain function and a strong immune system) but 35% of U.S. adults don’t get enough. Sleeping the recommended seven to nine hours a night can reduce the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, dementia, and depression. For more restful sleep, stop using electronic devices at least one hour before bed and keep a consistent bedtime and waking schedule.
Second: Tobacco use – including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and now, vaping – is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It is linked to one-third of all heart disease deaths, in addition to contributing to lung disease and some cancers.
Smoking hurts others, too. According to the AHA, half of American children between the ages of three and 11 are exposed to secondhand smoke and vapor.
“A healthy heart is the foundation to overall health,” says Hoang Thai, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, a board-certified interventional cardiologist with Northwest Healthcare’s Northwest Cardiology. “Getting adequate sleep, eating nutrient-dense foods, and not smoking can help improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases and conditions.”
Other key measures in AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 checklist for optimal heart health include overall healthy eating habits focused on whole foods (fruits and vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and non-tropical oils like olive and canola); 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, maintaining a healthy weight; and managing cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.
“If your heart isn’t healthy, the rest of your body will struggle,” says Dr. Thai. “Fortunately, many of the factors that determine heart health are under your control – and a good cardiologist can help you with the rest.”
In honor of Heart Month, Northwest Healthcare is hosting a 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge. Participants receive a daily email with short, informative articles, quick tips, and a heart health challenge. Click healthiertucson.com/heart-challenge to sign up!
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