Cardiac Longevity

The foundations of heart health

The American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 framework includes eating well, being active, avoiding nicotine, healthy sleep, managing weight, and managing cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. These are connected parts of prevention.

Choose a practical first step: a short walk, a regular sleep schedule, replacing one high-sodium meal, or reviewing your medication list. Social connection and help with stress can support the plan too.

Your numbers need context

There is no single cholesterol or apoB goal for everyone. Your clinician considers existing vascular disease, overall risk, other conditions and treatment tolerance. The 2026 dyslipidemia guideline recommends measuring lipoprotein(a) at least once in adulthood and using apoB selectively to refine risk and treatment.

Agree on BP goals and a measurement schedule with your clinician. Keep both numbers from each reading. Averages are useful, but symptoms and very high readings still need attention.

Move in a way you can sustain

Start with activity you enjoy and can repeat. Build aerobic activity and strength gradually. People returning after a cardiac diagnosis or procedure need an individualized plan. Exercise supports prevention, but it does not replace medicines or procedures that are indicated.

Read the getting started guide, return-to-exercise guide and cardiac rehab guide.

Make the next visit useful

• Bring your medication list and any requested BP or weight records.
• Pick one health goal that matters in everyday life.
• Discuss family history and whether additional risk testing would change treatment.
• Agree on follow-up, who reviews results, and when to call sooner.

Focus on steady progress. No checklist can promise a specific number of extra years or eliminate cardiovascular risk.

Questions for your next visit

• Which prevention goals matter most for me?
• Would Lp(a), apoB or a calcium score change my care?
• What is one change I can sustain this month?

Keep reading

• High Blood Pressure
• Statins: Benefits, Symptoms, and Options
• Getting Started With Exercise