A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that on average, Americans' cardiovascular systems age faster than their chronological age, with women's hearts acting about 4 years older and men's 7 years older. Researchers analyzed data from 14,140 participants aged 30-79 without existing heart disease. They used a newly developed "risk age" calculator to determine the age of someone with perfect cardiovascular health who would face the same disease risk. Education and income were key predictors, with lower-income adults and those with only a high school degree facing cardiovascular aging 6-8 years beyond their chronological age, compared to 3-6 years for higher-income and more educated groups. Researchers believe "risk age" could help make prevention conversations more concrete and motivating for patients, especially younger adults with elevated risk relative to their age. (StudyFinds)
PHONE TOPIC: What part of your body feels older than your chronological age?
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