Higher health index linked to lower heart disease and stroke risk

The researchers proposed a Metabolic Frailty Index that divided estimated glucose disposal, a measure related to insulin resistance, by a frailty score reflecting physiological decline. Higher baseline scores were associated with lower risks of both outcomes. The hazard ratios compared event rates over time between the highest and lowest scoring quarters. Scores accumulated over time distinguished risk better than baseline scores. Rising scores were also associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk, and favorable score trajectories had stronger associations in women.