Seven heart-healthy habits could save billions in Medicare costs

At least $41 billion annually in Medicare costs could be saved if beneficiaries adopted five to seven of the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 healthy habits to reduce cardiovascular disease. Having more 'ideal' Life's Simple 7 factors was associated with a lower risk for hospitalizations and cardiovascular disease-related outpatient physician visits. Health costs were markedly higher for those with fewer ideal Life's Simple 7 factors.