News Summary
A recent study by Northwestern Medicine found that many U.S. adults have a ‘heart age’ significantly older than their chronological age, with disparities across demographics. The research highlights alarming gaps, especially among men, low-income individuals, and minority groups. A free online tool has been developed to help users assess their heart age based on various risk factors. As heart disease remains a leading cause of death, the study aims to reshape how cardiovascular health risks are communicated, encouraging proactive engagement in heart health management.
Chicago – A recent study led by Northwestern Medicine reveals that many adults in the United States have a “heart age” that is several years older than their actual age, with disparities in some cases exceeding a decade. This analysis, showcasing significant differences across various demographics, draws attention to an alarming trend in cardiovascular health.
The study highlights that the age gap between heart age and chronological age is markedly more pronounced among men, individuals with lower income and education levels, as well as Black and Hispanic populations. For instance, Black men in the study have an average heart age 8.5 years older than their actual age, while Black women have a discrepancy of 6.2 years. Hispanic men show an average heart age 7.9 years older, with Hispanic women following at a gap of 4.8 years. In contrast, white men and women display heart ages that are 6.4 and 3.7 years older than their actual ages, respectively.
Northwestern’s researchers developed a free online tool to allow users to calculate their own heart age based on various cardiovascular disease risk factors. This tool factors in elements like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking habits, and the presence of diabetes. However, experts caution that this calculator should not replace a professional medical consultation but rather be used in tandem with healthcare services.
The findings of this study, which will be published in JAMA Cardiology on July 30, 2025, underscore a shift in how heart disease risk is conveyed. Traditionally communicated as a percentage, the new heart age concept aims to simplify the understanding of cardiovascular health, making it more relatable and actionable for patients. The lead author expressed hope that this new approach will facilitate improved discussions between healthcare providers and patients regarding heart disease risk and prevention strategies.
Over the course of the study, more than 14,000 U.S. adults aged 30 to 79 were evaluated, all of whom had no prior history of cardiovascular disease. Results indicated that on average, women in the study exhibited a heart age of 55.4 years compared to their chronological age of 51.3 years, while men had a heart age of 56.7 years against an actual age of 49.7 years. Alarmingly, roughly one-third of men with only a high school education or less had a heart age that exceeded their actual age by more than 10 years.
Heart disease continues to remain the leading cause of death in the U.S., despite advancements in public health strategies. Many adults still do not receive adequate preventive care, underscoring the urgency of addressing cardiovascular health in the population. The heart age calculator aims to empower individuals, particularly younger people, to better recognize their risk levels and engage in preventive measures for their heart health.
Further research is slated to examine if presenting risk as heart age can enhance medical outcomes and improve patients’ understanding of preventive therapies. This study, titled “PREVENT Risk Age Equations and Population Distribution in US Adults,” seeks to transform the communication of cardiovascular risk and motivate individuals to take necessary actions toward maintaining heart health.
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Additional Resources
- The Washington Post: Heart Biological Age and Cardiovascular Disease
- STAT: Most Americans’ Hearts Older than Chronological Age
- Medical Xpress: Adults’ Hearts Older than Actual Age
- Today: Heart Age Study and Calculator
- BuzzFeed: Heart Cardiovascular Age
- Wikipedia: Heart Disease
- Google Search: Cardiovascular Disease
- Google Scholar: Heart Age Calculator
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heart
- Google News: Heart Disease
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