3 Simple Daily Changes Could Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack And Stroke

Study of 53,242 participants (mean age 63) examined daily sleep, activity, and vegetable intake.

Adding 11 more minutes of sleep per day was associated with a 10% lower risk of major cardiovascular events over eight years.

Adding an extra 4.5 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with a 10% lower risk over eight years.

Adding a quarter cup of vegetables each day was associated with a 10% lower risk; major cardiovascular events include heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

An optimal combination—8–9 hours sleep, 42+ minutes MVPA, and a modest diet quality score—was associated with a 57% lower risk over eight years; sleep and activity were measured with wearables and diet by questionnaire.