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Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States (US). Better cardiovascular health (CVH) is associated with CVD prevention. Predicting future CVH levels may help providers better manage patients’ CVH. We hypothesized that CVH measures can be predicted based on previous measurements from longitudinal electronic health record (EHR) data. Methods The Guideline Advantage (TGA) dataset was used and contained EHR data from 70 outpatient clinics across the United States (US). We studied predictions of 5 CVH submetrics: smoking status (SMK), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), hemoglobin A1c (A1C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). We applied embedding techniques and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks – to predict future CVH category levels from all the previous CVH measurements of 216,445 unique patients for each CVH submetric. Results The LSTM model performance was evaluated by the area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC): the micro-average AUROC was 0.99 for SMK prediction; 0.97 for BMI; 0.84 for BP; 0.91 for A1C; and 0.93 for LDL prediction. Model performance was not improved by using all 5 submetric measures compared with using single submetric measures. Conclusions We suggest that future CVH levels can be predicted using previous CVH measurements for each submetric, which has implications for population cardiovascular health management. Predicting patients’ future CVH levels might directly increase patient CVH health and thus quality of life, while also indirectly decreasing the burden and cost for clinical health system caused by CVD and cancers.

Background Kidney stones exhibit a robust correlation with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this research is to investigate the correlation between kidney stones and Life's Essential 8 (LE8), a newly updated assessment of cardiovascular health (CVH), among adults in the United States. Methods In this study, which analyzed data from the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we employed LE8 scores (ranging from 0 to 100) as the independent variable, classifying them into low, moderate, and high CVH categories. The research examined the relationship between LE8 scores and kidney stones by using multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models, with kidney stones as the dependent variable. Results Out of the 14,117 participants in this research, the weighted mean LE8 score was 69.70 ± 0.27. After accounting for confounding factors, there was an inverse association between higher LE8 scores and the likelihood of developing kidney stones (OR of 0.81 per 10-point increase, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.77–0.85), demonstrating a non-linear dose–response pattern. Similar patterns were observed for health behaviors, health factor scores, and kidney stones. Stratified analyses demonstrated a stable negative correlation between LE8 scores and kidney stones across different subgroups. Conclusion LE8 and its subscale scores exhibited a robust and inverse correlation with the occurrence of kidney stones. Encouraging adherence to optimal CVH levels has the potential to serve as an effective strategy in preventing and minimizing the occurrence of kidney stones.

There is limited research on the relationship between Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Our aim is to investigate the relationship between overall lifestyle assessed by LE-8 score and MASLD in a nationally representative sample. We employed the LE8 score to comprehensively evaluate cardiovascular health, the assessment of MASLD primarily utilized the Fatty Liver Index. The weighted logistic regression models, restrictive cubic splines (RCS), subgroup analyses and the weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to evaluate the relationship between the cardiovascular health and MASLD. Logistic regression models revealed that higher LE8 scores were associated with lower odds of having MASLD. The RCS revealed a significant nonlinear dose–response relationship between LE8 scores and MASLD. The WQS regression model indicated that blood glucose contributed the most to the risk of MASLD. The subgroup analysis indicates that there are significant differences in this association across age, educational level, and poverty income ratio. Our study suggests that an inverse correlation between LE8 and the risk of MASLD. Our findings underscore the utility of the LE8 algorithm in MASLD risk assessment and provide support for MASLD prevention through the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Osteoporotic fractures are a major public health concern, particularly among the aging population, as they significantly contribute to morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. While cardiovascular health (CVH) has traditionally been linked to cardiovascular disease outcomes, emerging evidence suggests it may also influence bone health. This study investigates the association between CVH, as measured by the Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) score, and the prevalence of osteoporotic fractures in U.S. adults. This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018. A total of 17,606 adults aged 20 and above were included in the analysis after excluding participants with missing data on CVH or osteoporotic fractures. CVH was assessed using the LE8 score, which incorporates eight modifiable cardiovascular health metrics: diet, physical activity, tobacco use, sleep, body mass index (BMI), lipid levels, blood glucose, and blood pressure. The primary outcome, osteoporotic fractures, was identified through self-reported data confirmed by a physician. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between CVH and the prevalence of osteoporotic fractures, adjusting for demographic and health-related covariates. Participants with higher CVH scores had a lower prevalence of osteoporotic fractures. In the fully adjusted model, each 1-point increase in the LE8 score was associated with a 1% reduction in the odds of osteoporotic fractures (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–0.99). Compared to participants with low CVH levels, those with moderate CVH had a 22% lower odds of osteoporotic fractures (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.70–0.87), and those with high CVH had a 34% lower odds (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.56–0.79). A significant linear trend was observed across different CVH levels ( P for trend < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the inverse relationship between CVH and osteoporotic fractures was consistent across different demographic and health-related subgroups. This study highlights a significant inverse association between cardiovascular health and osteoporotic fractures in U.S. adults. These findings suggest that maintaining a high level of cardiovascular health, as measured by the LE8 score, may be important in reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Public health strategies that integrate cardiovascular and bone health interventions may enhance overall health outcomes and reduce the societal burden of both cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.

Background The association between the American Heart Association (AHA) Life's Essential 7 (LE7) score and the risk of precancerous colorectal lesions remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) behaviours and colorectal cancer (CRC) precursors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using health check-up data from the PLA General Hospital from 2013 to 2019. All the subjects underwent routine physical examination and colonoscopy. The seven CVH variables are divided into poor (0), moderate (1) and ideal (2) levels to obtain a CVH score ranging from 0 to 14 points. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between the CVH score and CRC precursors. Results Of the 5627 participants included, 418 (7.43%), 2044 (36.32%) and 3165 (56.25%) were classified as having poor, moderate and ideal CVH scores, respectively. Adenomas and serrated polyps (SPs) were found in 682 (12.12%) and 416 (7.39%) participants, respectively. A 1-unit increase in the CVH score was associated with a 7%, 10.4% and 12.5% decrease in the risk of adenoma, advanced adenoma (AA) and SP, respectively. The risk of adenoma, AA and SP in the poor CVH subgroup was 1.41, 1.82 and 2.1 times greater, respectively, than that in the ideal CVH subgroup. Subgroup analysis revealed that the negative association was significantly greater for men and participants older than 45 years. A restrictive cubic spline indicated that when the CVH was less than 10 points, only the risk of SPs gradually increased. Conclusions Our findings suggested that promoting adherence to optimal CVH may be beneficial for preventing CRC.

INTRODUCTION The relationship between cardiovascular health (CVH) and cognitive health (CH) has been established in diverse populations but is understudied among indigenous Africans. We investigated the association between CVH and CH in 1031 older Nigerian Africans participating in the Vascular heAlth, fraiLty, and cognItion in Ageing Nigerians sTudy (VALIANT). METHODS CVH was assessed by the Life's Simple 7 (LS7) score. CH was measured using three validated metrics of general cognitive well‐being: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSID), and Identification and Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans (IDEA). Frailty was evaluated using Rockwood's Clinical Frailty Scale. Multivariable linear regression was performed. RESULTS Individual LS7 metrics, including poor diet, ideal body mass index (overall), and intermediate blood pressure (among female participants), showed independent relationships with poor CH. Although the LS7 composite score showed a significant univariate relationship with MoCA and IDEA scores, the independent determinants of general CH were older age, low educational attainment, and clinical frailty, but not LS7 composite score DISCUSSION In a sample of older Nigerian Africans, the LS7 composite score may not accurately characterize the relationship between CVH and CH. Afrocentric CVH composite scores incorporating measures that are more sensitive to outcomes in Africans are needed. Highlights We determined the association between cardiovascular health (CVH) and cognitive health (CH) in 1031 urban‐dwelling Nigerian Africans. Although individual Life's Simple 7 (LS7) metrics such as poor diet, intermediate blood pressure, and ideal body mass index showed independent association with poor CH, the composite LS7 metric showed no association. In a sample of Nigerian Africans, the LS7 score as a composite vascular marker may not accurately characterize the relationship between CVH and CH. Afrocentric composite scores incorporating risk markers potentially unique to indigenous African populations are needed for robust characterization of CVH.

Background Evidence has shown that the individual metrics in Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), an updated cardiovascular health (CVH) concept proposed by the American Heart Association, play a role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, epidemiological evidence on the overall LE8 on IBD risk remains limited. We aimed to assess the longitudinal associations of LE8-defined CVH and the risks of IBD and its subtypes, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). We also tested whether genetic susceptibility could modify these associations. Methods A total of 260,836 participants from the UK Biobank were included. LE8 scores were determined by 8 metrics (physical activity, diet, nicotine exposure, sleep, body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipids), and were divided into three levels: low CVH (0–49), moderate CVH (50–79), and high CVH (80–100). Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) of the risk of IBD in relation to CVH status. Results Over a median follow-up 12.3 years, we documented 1,500 IBD cases (including 1,070 UC and 502 CD). Compared to participants with low CVH, the HRs (95% CIs) of those with high CVH for IBD, UC, and CD were 0.67 (0.52, 0.83), 0.70 (0.52, 0.93), and 0.55 (0.38, 0.80), respectively. These associations were not modified by genetic susceptibility (all P for interactions > 0.05). The lowest HR (UC: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.20–0.45; CD: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.20–0.57) was observed in participants with both high CVH and low genetic risk. Conclusions Better CVH, defined by LE8, was associated with significantly lower risks of IBD, UC, and CD, irrespective of genetic predisposition. Our results underscore the importance of adherence to LE8 guidelines for maintaining CVH as a potential strategy in the prevention of IBD.

Previous research has demonstrated an inverse relationship between optimal cardiovascular health (CVH) and the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA). The American Heart Association has evolved its Life Simple 7 (LS7) metric into Life Essential 8 (LE8), which exhibits enhanced sensitivity to inter-individual variations and places increased emphasis on social determinants of health and mental well-being. The primary objective of this study was to examine the potential relationship between the CVH (LE8) score and the health status of patients with OA. Additionally, this study aimed to investigate the possible association between the CVH (LE8) score and other forms of arthritis, as well as to draw comparisons among different arthritis types. This observational study utilized data from the NHANES, conducted from 2005 to 2018. To examine the association between the CVH LE8 score and various arthritis types, multiple statistical approaches were employed. These included weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. The study included 29,324 participants. Results indicated an inverse relationship between CVH (LE8 score) tertiles and the likelihood of developing OA (tertile 1, 10.14%; tertile 2, 7.47%; tertile 3, 4.61%; p  < 0.001) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (tertile 1, 9.60%; tertile 2, 6.67%; tertile 3, 2.86%; p  < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) across the three CVH categories ( p  = 0.125). In the fully adjusted model 3, logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher CVH (LE8) score was associated with a lower prevalence of OA (OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.35–0.54, p  < 0.001) and RA (OR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.35–0.50, p  < 0.001). Furthermore, diet, exercise, nicotine exposure, body mass index, and blood pressure were significantly associated with OA ( p  < 0.05). RCS analyses demonstrated a linear relationship between the CVH (LE8) score and OA, RA, and PsA (p-overall < 0.001, p-nonlinear > 0.05). The cardiovascular health (Life Essential 8) score demonstrated a negative linear association with the prevalence of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis among US adults. These findings offer valuable insights for developing early intervention strategies targeting populations susceptible to arthritis.

Background This study aimed to explore the association between Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) and the risk of cancer occurrence and cancer-associated mortality across 24 cancer types. The cardiovascular health (CVH) score is constructed based on the overall LE8 score, providing a more direct measure of CVH and its potential relationship with cancer risk. Methods This cohort enrolled participants from a prospective cohort of the United Kingdom Biobank, including individuals aged 37–73 years, with 332,417 cancer-free participants. CVH scores were assessed using the LE8 metrics. The primary outcome of this study was the risk of cancer events, and the secondary outcome was cancer mortality. Competitive models were used to examine the associations between each 10-point increment in the CVH score and the outcomes, with stratified analyses conducted for both men and women to assess sex differences. Results The mean CVH score was 64.4(55.6,72.5) in men and 70.0 (61.2,78.1) in women ( P  < 0.001). During a mean follow-up time of 12.0 years, 12.32% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.21–12.43%) of participants developed cancer, and 2.13% (95% CI: 2.08–2.18%) died from cancer. A 10-point rise in CVH score was negatively associated with overall cancer occurrence in men (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.98) and women (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95–0.97), along with reduced cancer mortality risk in both sexes. Moreover, sex differences were observed in the impact of a 10-point CVH increase on esophageal, gastric, colorectal, and liver cancers. Conclusions Lower CVH scores were associated with an increased overall cancer risk and higher cancer-related mortality, highlighting the need for cancer screening in patients with low CVH scores.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is considered an important source of bioactive molecules that can influence coronary arteries directly and is related to the concurrent presence of both obstructive coronary stenosis and myocardial ischemia independently. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become an emergent health problem worldwide. This cross-sectional study aimed to address the relationship between the volume of EAT and NAFLD and other cardiovascular risk factors in the general population. In this study, we selected a total of 2,238 participants aged at least 40 years from the Jidong community in Tangshan, China. The 64-slice CT was used to survey the volume of EAT and liver ultrasonography was used for the diagnosis of NAFLD. The study cohorts were compared according to EAT volume. Cardiovascular risk factors, such as coronary artery calcium score, carotid intima-media thickness, NAFLD, and ideal cardiovascular health metrics were also found to be related to EAT. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, NAFLD groups showed significant association with higher EAT volume, after correcting for main cardiovascular disease risk factors (OR [95% CI], 1.407 [1.117, 1.773]). Our findings in a general community population provide evidence that EAT is strongly associated with NAFLD and other cardiovascular risk factors.