A recent study from Northwestern Medicine University in the United States showed that our hearts are several years older than our chronological age, in a phenomenon that reveals a hidden health decline that we are unaware of.
Did you know that your heart may be older than your chronological age?
The results of a study analyzing data from over 14,000 Americans between 2011 and 2020, published in JAMA Cardiology, revealed striking disparities: men's hearts appear to age significantly faster than women's. While women's heart age is, on average, four years older than their chronological age, men's hearts age by seven years.
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But what is even more worrying is that this gap is widening significantly among the most marginalized members of society, with data showing that Black, Latino, and low-income people have hearts that age prematurely at a faster rate.
To understand this phenomenon, researchers developed an innovative digital tool called the "Heart Age Calculator," which allows anyone to instantly assess their heart health. This free tool is based on American Heart Association criteria and analyzes a range of critical health factors, from blood pressure and cholesterol levels to smoking habits and medications used.
Dr. Saad Khan, a preventive cardiologist and participant in the study, explains that this tool aims to break down the barrier between doctor and patient, creating a common language for understanding cardiac risks. He notes that this calculator could be a lifesaver, opening patients' eyes to the reality of their health conditions before it's too late.
However, researchers warn that this smart tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice, but merely an alarm bell that could save many lives if taken seriously.
