A recent study conducted in France highlights significant disparities in cardiovascular health (CVH) among adults aged 18 to 69. Using the updated Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) scoring system, researchers analyzed a large dataset of over 190,000 individuals. The findings reveal that only a small fraction of the population achieves optimal CVH scores, with notable differences based on gender, education level, and lifestyle factors. Women generally scored higher than men, while rural residents outperformed their urban counterparts. Additionally, lower alcohol consumption, fewer depressive symptoms, and higher educational attainment were associated with better cardiovascular health. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies tailored to specific demographics.

French researchers explored the distribution of LE8 scores across a representative sample of adults free from cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study spanned data collected between 2012 and 2019, examining eight critical components of cardiovascular health: blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep, body mass index (BMI), nicotine exposure, physical activity, and diet. Notably, rural residents demonstrated slightly better cardiovascular health compared to urban dwellers after adjusting for other influencing factors. Furthermore, the research identified strong correlations between higher LE8 scores and characteristics such as younger age, female gender, managerial employment, and limited alcohol intake. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these associations, reinforcing the importance of addressing disparities in cardiovascular health promotion.

The analysis revealed striking contrasts in LE8 scores by educational background. Individuals with less than a high school diploma showed significantly lower rates of achieving high cardiovascular health compared to those with advanced education. Moreover, the study highlighted the potential impact of improving CVH scores universally, estimating that approximately 81% of CVD events could be prevented if all participants reached optimal levels. Diet emerged as one of the weakest areas, posing a significant public health challenge requiring immediate attention. Men consistently scored lower than women in several health metrics, particularly in blood pressure and BMI categories.

As people age, their LE8 scores tend to decline progressively from young adulthood up to around 55 years, stabilizing thereafter. This trend suggests the necessity for age-specific and life-stage-adapted preventive measures. Comparing the results to similar studies in the United States, French adults exhibited better performance in physical activity, BMI, and glycemia but lagged behind in sleep quality, blood pressure, and lipid profiles. The observed sex disparities indicate that women are nearly three times more likely to achieve high LE8 scores than men, emphasizing the need for gender-focused interventions.

The study concludes by advocating for a shift towards an integrated model that balances care and prevention, prioritizing primordial prevention at the population level. Addressing complex and under-researched factors like sexual minority status is crucial for effective CVH promotion. Tailored interventions targeting disadvantaged groups and different life stages can enhance overall cardiovascular health outcomes. By implementing early and targeted prevention strategies, it is possible to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases significantly, benefiting both individual well-being and societal economic stability.