The American Heart Association (AHA) has compiled a list of seven measures to serve as the framework for ideal cardiovascular health (Circulation. 2010;121:586-613). These optimal health behaviors are:
- Not smoking or having quit more than one year ago
- Maintaining BMI <25
- Being physically active for at least 150 minutes at moderate intensity or 75 minutes at vigorous intensity each week
- Observing four to five of the key components of a healthful diet consistent with current AHA guideline recommendations
- Total cholesterol <200 mg/dL
- BP <120/80 mmHg
- Fasting blood glucose <100 mg/dL
The AHA has also developed My Life Check, a short assessment instrument that shows where a person is on the cardiovascular-health spectrum.