Abstract
Abstract only Background: The “Life’s Essential 8” (LE8) score is a new tool to determine cardiovascular health (CVH). This includes diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep duration, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure levels. Here we investigated the association of LE8 with incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among Hispanic/Latino adults living in the US. Design/Method: Baseline characteristics (n=13,956) of HCHS/SOL participants were determined between 2008 and 2011. Annual follow-up interviews were conducted from inception until 2016 to determine outcomes of interest. Hospital records were reviewed and incident MACE, defined as the composite of incident stroke, myocardial infarction, or heart failure, was adjudicated using standard criteria. LE8 scores (range 0 to 100, with higher scores denoting better CVH) were determined using published definitions. Incident rate ratios (IRR) of MACE across LE8 (modeled in 20-points increments) were determined using Poisson regression models and adjusting for baseline characteristics. Analyses were weighted for complex survey design and non-response. Results: The mean age (95% CI) at baseline was 40.7 (40.2-41.2) years and 60.6% were females. The mean LE8 score was 68.5 (68.0-69.1). Compared to females, males achieved higher scores in diet (44.9 vs. 36.1, P<0.001), physical activity (82.1 vs. 69.3; p<0.001), and body mass index (60.1 vs. 56.9; p<0.001) and lower scores in nicotine exposure (65.0 vs. 77.1; p<0.001), blood lipids (59.4 vs. 65.1; p<0.001), blood pressure (70.4 vs. 77.5; p<0.001). A total of 181 outcomes occurred during the mean follow-up of 6.8 (6.8-6.9) years. In the fully adjusted model, higher LE8 was associated with a lower incidence of MACE (IRR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30-0.74 for all; IRR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.84 in males; IRR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28-0.85 in females). Conclusion: Among Hispanic/Latino adults, better CVH, quantified using LE8, is associated with a lower incidence of stroke, myocardial infarction, or heart failure.