Mixed
Adhering to a cluster of ideal lifestyle practices (regular physical activity, sound nutrition, weight management, and tobacco avoidance) reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by more than 80% and diabetes by more than 90%.
To drastically lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes, focus on four core daily habits: move moderately for at least 150 minutes a week, eat a diet rich in plants and whole grains, maintain a healthy weight, and do not smoke. You do not need to be perfect; even small improvements in these areas yield significant health benefits.
In 2 large cohort studies a reduction of risk of CVD of >80% and diabetes >90% were demonstrated in individuals who followed a cluster of these lifestyle practices.
Why this rating
Based on large cohort studies and consistent evidence-based clinical guidelines from the AHA and ACC.
Source
Lifestyle Strategies for Risk Factor Reduction, Prevention, and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
James M. Rippe · American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine · 2018
DOI 10.1177/1559827618812395
More from this paper
- Smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, with substantial benefits accruing over a very brief period of time.Strong
- Regular physical activity of 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity provides 75% of the maximum cardiovascular benefit, with diminishing returns above this threshold.Good
- Adopting a healthy plant-based diet index (hPBDI) substantially lowers coronary heart disease risk, whereas an unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPBDI) is associated with higher risk.Good
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