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New Study Reveals Heart Age Disparities Among U.S. Adults

Exploring the gap between heart age and chronological age to raise awareness about heart health

News Summary

A recent study by Northwestern Medicine indicates that many U.S. adults have a ‘heart age’ significantly older than their actual age, highlighting serious health inequalities. The research evaluated over 14,000 adults and found that factors such as gender, income, and ethnicity contribute to disparities in heart health. Notably, the study emphasizes the development of a heart age calculator to help individuals understand their cardiovascular risks, which could improve communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding heart disease prevention.

Chicago – A study conducted by Northwestern Medicine reveals that many U.S. adults have a “heart age” significantly older than their chronological age, with some individuals experiencing an age gap exceeding a decade. This finding underscores ongoing health inequalities and highlights the urgent need for improved cardiovascular awareness among various demographics.

The research evaluated over 14,000 adults aged 30 to 79, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2011 and 2020. None of the participants had a prior history of cardiovascular disease. The study found that, on average, women possess a heart age of 55.4 years compared to a chronological age of 51.3 years. Men typically have an average heart age of 56.7 years, whereas their chronological age is 49.7 years.

Men, individuals from lower income backgrounds, those with lower educational attainment, and those who identify as Black or Hispanic show even more pronounced disparities. Approximately one-third of men with a high school education or less demonstrate a heart age more than 10 years older than their actual age. The discrepancies are particularly significant among Black and Hispanic adults, with Black men averaging a heart age that is 8.5 years older than their chronological age, while Black women average 6.2 years older. Similarly, Hispanic men have a heart age 7.9 years older than their actual age, and Hispanic women show a gap of 4.8 years. In comparison, white men have a heart age that is 6.4 years older, and white women have a heart age 3.7 years older than their chronological age. Asian men and women average heart ages 6.7 years and 2.8 years older, respectively.

The study emphasizes the development of a free online tool that the researchers created to help individuals calculate their “heart age” based on cardiovascular disease risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, and diabetes. This tool serves to reframe heart disease risk from a percentage expression, which can be challenging for patients to comprehend, to a more easily relatable “age.” This approach aims to facilitate effective discussions between healthcare professionals and patients about heart disease risks and preventive measures.

Despite advancements in public health, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of mortality in the U.S. Many adults are not receiving the preventive care they require, indicating a pressing need for awareness and intervention. Researchers believe that presenting cardiovascular risk as an individual’s heart age may motivate younger adults to identify and address their risk factors for heart disease.

The findings from the study are set to be published in JAMA Cardiology on July 30, 2025. Lead authorship includes Dr. Sadiya Khan, who has raised hopes that the calculator will enhance dialogues about cardiovascular health and preventive strategies. Future efforts will explore whether using heart age as a metric improves patient outcomes and aids in understanding preventative therapies.

This study, titled “PREVENT Risk Age Equations and Population Distribution in U.S. Adults,” sets out to transform the way cardiovascular risk is communicated to the general public. While the heart age calculator is a valuable tool, the study insists it is meant to supplement, not replace, clinical consultations and the expertise of healthcare professionals.

Overall, this research shines a light on a significant public health concern, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to combat the rising threat of cardiovascular diseases. As health inequalities persist, it is crucial to ensure that all individuals have access to the knowledge and resources necessary to maintain heart health.