Adopting small lifestyle changes improved cardiovascular (CV) health, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Adjustments in sleep, physical activity, and nutrition were associated with a reduced risk for major adverse CV events.

Speaking with El Médico Interactivo, part of the Medscape Professional Network, Ignacio Fernández Lozano, MD, cardiologist and electrophysiology specialist at Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, associate professor of cardiology at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, and president of the Spanish Society of Cardiology in Madrid, noted that the conclusion of the study is population-based. “This study analyzed health measures in the general population and showed that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep are highly favorable from a CV perspective,” he said.

Fernández Lozano noted that these associations were not new. “Indices from the European Society of Cardiology and the American Heart Association already indicate the degree of CV health in a population, and these are the factors that influence it.”

The Role of Sleep

Demonstrating that small behavioral changes can reduce CV mortality may help raise public awareness, Fernández Lozano said. Simple measures, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, have shown consistent benefits.

He emphasized the growing recognition of the importance of sleep. “The American scale included sleep as one of the CV health indicators several years ago. We understand its importance, and it is now given a necessary role in healthcare. Recommendations for sleeping well and for sufficient duration are becoming increasingly common in clinical practice. Previously, data linking good sleep to better CV health were limited; however, evidence continues to increase.

Cardiologists have placed greater emphasis on recommending healthy habits that integrate sleep, exercise, and diet at both the individual and population levels.

Mobile Devices

Regarding the monitoring of individuals with heart disease, Fernández Lozano reported that mobile devices are promising tools. “Mobile devices are a major focus for the future and may be useful in many ways. However, evidence remains limited that all approaches are effective for all purposes, and the integration of these tools into healthcare systems remains unclear.

Wearable devices that measure the heart rate at the wrist can produce false-positive readings, and alerts suggesting arrhythmia may occur even when the heart rhythm is normal. The Spanish Society of Cardiology recommends confirming such alerts with a standard ECG recording that continuously captures cardiac rhythm for at least 30 seconds.

While some smartwatches can record electrocardiogram tracings, most wrist-worn devices rely on photoplethysmography, which estimates heart rate from changes in skin light absorption. This approach may increase the risk for false-positive results.

A key question remains as to how these technologies can be integrated into routine healthcare. “It may offer benefits in areas such as detecting previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, assessing health status during exercise, and supporting improvement. However, important uncertainties remain and will need to be clarified by future evidence.”

Fernández Lozano reported having no relevant conflicts of interest. 

This article was translated from El Médico Interactivo.