New findings from Tulane University underscore a strong link between heart health and longevity. In a recent evaluation, researchers estimate that maintaining a healthy cardiovascular profile can translate into roughly eight additional years lived. The findings are based on preliminary analyses slated for presentation at upcoming sessions hosted by the American Heart Association, where the team will share details about the study design and emerging insights.
The study draws on data from more than 23,000 American adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2005 and 2018. To gauge cardiovascular health, the investigators applied Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) metrics, a framework that captures multiple dimensions of heart health. These include measured factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, as well as broader lifestyle elements like body mass index, smoking status, physical activity, sleep duration, and dietary patterns. By aggregating these variables into a composite score, researchers could categorize participants into distinct health groups and examine their long-term implications for life expectancy.
Within the dataset, individuals achieving an LE8 score exceeding 80 were placed in the ideal cardiovascular health group. Among this population, the average life expectancy from age 50 stood at about 33.4 years, suggesting a substantial extension relative to peers whose LE8 scores were 50 or lower, who averaged roughly 25.3 additional years of life. While the numbers derive from observational data and should be interpreted with care, the pattern aligns with a growing body of evidence indicating that the attributes encompassed by LE8—blood pressure control, favorable lipids and glucose, healthy weight, non-smoking status, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and nutritious eating—are associated with meaningful longevity benefits. The researchers emphasize that even partial improvements in these domains may contribute to better health trajectories over time.
Overall, the study reinforces the idea that lifestyle choices play a critical role in determining lifespan. By maintaining vascular health, managing metabolic risk factors, and prioritizing restorative sleep and balanced nutrition, individuals can influence not only their immediate well-being but their chances of living longer in the years beyond midlife. The team notes that public health strategies that support accessible, practical steps—such as structured physical activity, smoke-free environments, routine health screenings, and education about healthy eating—could help more people move toward the LE8 ideal and enjoy the associated potential gains in life expectancy. As additional analyses emerge, researchers aim to refine the understanding of how specific LE8 components interact over time and how interventions might maximize the benefits across diverse populations and settings.