Heart disease continues to be a major health concern in the United States, with many adults having a “heart age” that is older than their actual age. A recent study led by Northwestern Medicine found that most U.S. adults have a heart age that is several years older than their chronological age, with some individuals having a gap of more than a decade. This disparity is more pronounced among men and those with lower incomes, education levels, or who identify as Black or Hispanic.
To help individuals understand their risk for cardiovascular disease, the researchers developed a free online tool that calculates a person’s heart age based on factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, and diabetes. While the tool is not a substitute for medical advice, it can be a helpful resource for discussing heart disease risk with a healthcare provider.
The study, which will be published in JAMA Cardiology, used the American Heart Association’s PREVENT equations to reframe heart disease risk as an age rather than a percentage. This approach aims to make it easier for patients to grasp their risk and take preventive measures to protect their heart health.
When testing the age calculator on over 14,000 U.S. adults aged 30 to 79, the researchers found that women had a heart age of 55.4 on average, compared to a chronological age of 51.3. For men, the gap was wider, with an average heart age of 56.7 versus a chronological age of 49.7. Individuals with lower education levels or who identified as Black or Hispanic had a greater discordance between their heart and chronological age.
Preventive care is crucial in reducing the risk of heart disease, yet many adults who could benefit from treatment are not receiving it. The researchers hope that the heart age calculator will facilitate discussions about prevention and encourage individuals to take proactive steps to improve their heart health. By identifying individuals at higher risk for heart disease, healthcare providers can implement interventions to reduce the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure events.
Moving forward, the research team plans to investigate whether presenting risk in terms of heart age improves health outcomes and enhances individuals’ understanding of the need for preventive therapies. By leveraging tools like the heart age calculator, healthcare providers can empower patients to make informed decisions about their heart health and take proactive steps to mitigate their risk of cardiovascular disease.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of early intervention and preventive care in reducing the burden of heart disease in the U.S. By leveraging innovative tools and approaches, healthcare providers can help individuals better understand their cardiovascular risk and take proactive steps to protect their heart health.
