New research indicates that following the Life’s Essential 8 framework for cardiovascular health can also protect against chronic lower respiratory diseases and improve lung function. This framework, encompassing diet, physical activity, sleep, weight, blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol, was studied in over 10,000 adults.
Adults with higher Life’s Essential 8 scores showed a 44% lower risk of respiratory-specific death. Each 10-point score increase correlated with reduced odds of asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and COPD. These findings highlight the crucial interplay between cardiovascular and respiratory well-being, suggesting lifestyle interventions can enhance both simultaneously.