Introduced by the American Heart Association in 2022, the Life’s Essential 8 score combines eight key metrics into a single holistic framework: diet, nicotine exposure, sleep duration, physical activity, body mass index, blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure. 

In a recent study, Chinese researchers explored relationship between cardiovascular health and macular degeneration, including the role of genetics, and found that maintaining good cardiovascular health can reduce AMD incidence regardless of genetic background. The findings were reported recently in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

Individuals under 60 years of age showed a stronger beneficial association than those 60 and older, indicating that adopting good cardiovascular practices earlier can better reduce the incidence of AMD.

Subgroup analyses also showed a stronger beneficial association in women and nondrinkers. Regarding women, this could be attributed to several factors, including estrogen. Estrogen, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may enhance the benefits of cardiovascular health in women

An association was found between higher LDL and triglyceride concentrations and reduced AMD risk, showing these lipids “may play a protective role, potentially by supporting retinal health through lipid metabolism and membrane formation. Further investigation is needed in the relationship between LDL, triglycerides and AMD to uncover the exact mechanisms.

In addition to lifestyle modifications such as physical activity, a balanced diet and smoking cessation may help reduce the risk of AMD,