Only 6.8% of Americans Are in Optimal Cardiometabolic Health

A sobering study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reveals that only 6.8% of American adults are in optimal cardiometabolic health. This finding highlights the urgent need for better prevention and management of cardiovascular risk factors.

What Is Cardiometabolic Health?

Cardiometabolic health refers to a cluster of interconnected conditions that affect the heart and metabolic system. The study evaluated five key components:

• Blood Pressure: Optimal is less than 120/80 mmHg without medication.
• Blood Sugar: Optimal is fasting glucose under 100 mg/dL or HbA1c under 5.7% without medication.
• Blood Lipids: Optimal includes total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL and HDL above 40 mg/dL for men or 50 mg/dL for women, without medication.
• Body Weight: Optimal is BMI between 18.5 and 25.
• No Cardiovascular Disease: No history of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.

The Disturbing Statistics

The research findings are concerning:

• Only 6.8% of adults met optimal levels for all five components.
• The percentage has declined from 7.6% in 1999-2000.
• Obesity rates continue to rise, with only about 25% having optimal weight.
• Less than half of adults have optimal blood sugar levels.
• Disparities exist across age, race, education, and income levels.

Why This Matters

Poor cardiometabolic health significantly increases the risk of:

• Heart disease and heart attacks
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Premature death

What Can Be Done?

Improving cardiometabolic health requires a comprehensive approach:

• Diet: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods, added sugars, and sodium.
• Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
• Weight Management: Even modest weight loss (5-10%) can significantly improve cardiometabolic markers.
• Regular Screening: Know your numbers through regular check-ups.
• Quit Smoking: Tobacco use worsens all cardiometabolic risk factors.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress contributes to poor cardiometabolic health.

Take Action Today

The good news is that cardiometabolic health can be improved at any age. Schedule a comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation to understand your current status and develop a personalized plan for improvement.