The American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 covers diet, activity, nicotine exposure, sleep, weight, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. It turns heart health into areas you can track over time.
Start with manageable steps: a brisk 10- to 15-minute walk after a meal, taking the stairs, a regular bedtime, or simple repeatable meals. Consistency is central to making heart care part of daily life.
Things you can start doing
Start with practical steps.
- Choose one of the eight areas where a manageable change would matter most to you this month.
- Aim to build up at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, according to your ability.
- Arrange screening according to age and family history, even without symptoms.
