Keep Your Heart Young:
How to Know If It's Aging Too Fast — And What to Do About It
Keep Your Heart Young: How to Know If It's Aging Too Fast — And What to Do About It
Your heart might be older than you think — and that could be shortening your life. But the good news? Small changes can make a big difference.
Why Heart Age Matters
Your "heart age" isn’t just about how many birthdays you’ve had — it reflects your heart’s actual health. New research from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine reveals that most Americans have a heart age 4 to 7 years older than their real age. This means many are at greater risk for heart disease and stroke, the top causes of death in the U.S.
According to Dr. Sadiya Khan, a preventive cardiologist who led the research, this accelerated heart aging is often caused by:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Lack of physical activity
Poor diet and chronic stress
Understanding Your Heart Age
Doctors often measure heart disease risk using percentages (like a 7.5% chance over 10 years), but these numbers can be hard to interpret. That’s why Dr. Khan and her team developed an easy-to-understand heart age calculator — a tool that translates your risk into something more relatable.
You can try it here: PREVENT Risk Age Calculator (Note: Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.)
Their study of 14,000 adults ages 30 to 79 found:
Women’s heart age was typically 4 years older than their actual age
Men’s heart age was about 7 years older
People with lower income or education levels often had a heart age up to 10 years older
Tips to Keep Your Heart Young
Dr. Khan emphasizes that your heart age can improve — and stay young — by focusing on daily healthy habits. Here’s what you can do:
1. Quit Smoking
If you smoke, stopping is the single most powerful thing you can do. This includes tobacco and marijuana — even in edible form.
2. Move More
Any physical activity counts. Even low-intensity movement like walking strengthens your heart. Aim to move a little more each day.
3. Eat Smart
Focus on whole foods rich in fibre and healthy fats like omega-3s. Cut back on processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats.
4. Manage Stress
Chronic stress raises blood pressure and strains your heart. Make time for rest, relaxation, and activities that bring you peace.
What If Your Heart Age Is Already Healthy?
Great! These same habits can help you stay young at heart for years to come.
“If your heart age is in a good spot, it's about strategies to maintain it,” says Dr. Khan.
Final Thought
There's no exact number that should alarm you. But knowing your heart age gives you a useful tool to take simple, preventive steps that could extend your life.
source:businessinsider