New Free Online Tool Calculates Your Heart Age and Cardiovascular Risk
A free online calculator helps individuals determine their biological heart age and assess their risk of cardiovascular disease, promoting early intervention and lifestyle changes.
Discover Your Heart Age with an Innovative Online Tool
A groundbreaking, free online calculator now allows individuals to estimate their biological 'heart age' and assess their risk for heart disease. Developed by researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, this tool considers factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking history, and medication use to provide a personalized view of heart health.
Why Heart Age Matters
Your "heart age" might be older than your actual age, especially if you have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity. A higher heart age indicates increased risk for cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.
Key Findings from Research
In a large study involving over 14,000 U.S. adults aged 30-79, most individuals had a heart age older than their chronological age—by as much as 10 years. Notably, Black men and women showed the largest disparities, with Black men’s heart age exceeding their actual age by about 8.5 years.
How the Calculator Works
The "PREVENT Risk Age Calculator" evaluates various risk factors, making risk communication more intuitive and actionable. According to experts, knowing your heart age can motivate lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, improving diet, and exercising regularly.
Expert Insights
Cardiologists emphasize that this tool promotes better understanding of heart health and can help tailor preventive strategies. As Dr. Christina Michael states, "Knowing your heart age is a wake-up call that can drive meaningful health improvements."
Conclusion
This accessible online resource represents a step forward in personalized cardiovascular prevention, empowering individuals and clinicians to act before serious health issues develop.
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