Your heart could be older than you think, possibly limiting your lifespan by up to a decade. But a cardiologist says a few simple lifestyle changes could help.
New research from Northwestern University's school of medicine has found that the average American's heart health makes them four to seven years older than their calendar age.
That's because of risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and sedentary routines, driving up their risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the US.
You can check your own heart age for free online using a test developed by Northwestern researchers.
If you don't like what you see, incorporating daily habits such as regular exercise can improve your heart age, said Dr. Sadiya Khan, a preventive cardiologist and professor of cardiovascular epidemiology who led the team that developed the calculator.
"As we think about our growing, aging population, some people age faster than others, and slowing that down can have a lot of impact for health," Khan told Business Insider.
How to tell whether your heart is healthy
Usually, doctors measure heart health in percentages using your vital signs. For instance, a patient with a 7.5% risk of heart disease is considered intermediate risk.
But that doesn't translate well for the average person.
"It's a challenging piece of information to communicate and grasp. What does it mean to have a risk of 7.5%?" Khan said.
That's why Khan's team made an age predictor. It's easier to come up with a plan for your heart health if you understand in real terms what it means for your life expectancy.
The researchers studied 14,000 adults in the US, ages 30 to 79, with no prior history of heart disease. They found that, on average, women's heart health age was about four years older than their chronological age, and men's heart age was about seven years older than their chronological age.
The gap widened for people with a lower income and education level; their heart age was as much as 10 years older than their chronological age.
Khan added a caveat: It's important to note that the calculator is meant to be a more accurate predictor of heart health risk, but it's not designed to be used alone to manage your health. Talk to your doctor about your risk.
"There's no exact number that means people should be alarmed or be concerned, but provide some context for what it means to have a heart age that's five years older or 10 years older," she said.
Simple ways to boost heart health
Knowing your heart health age can help you find simple, actionable steps to potentially boost longevity, Khan said.
"We wanted to be sure it was a tool to motivate heart-healthy behavior," she said. "There are things we already know that can help with your heart age and improve it."
To boost your heart health:
- Stop smoking: If you're a smoker, quitting is the No. 1 change you can make to improve your heart health, Khan said. That's not just tobacco — marijuana has been linked to worse heart health, even in edible form.
- Optimize your workout: Regular physical activity, including low-intensity movement like walking, helps to strengthen your heart, and every added minute counts.
- Get the right macros: Whole foods rich in fiber and healthy fats such as omega-3s help support your heart. Avoid processed foods and added sugars.
- Manage your stress: Rest and relaxation are crucial to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol low and prevent strain on your heart.
If you're already young at heart, following the above tips can help you stay that way for years to come.
"If your heart age is a good spot, it's about strategies to maintain it," Khan said.
