New heart age calculator launched by Northwestern University

Northwestern University launched a free heart age calculator to assess heart disease risk.

New heart age calculator highlights health disparities

Northwestern University has introduced an online heart age calculator that measures cardiovascular health by comparing heart age with chronological age. This tool is based on health metrics such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Research indicates that most U.S. adults have a heart age significantly older than their biological age. A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology shows that men and women often face different gaps in heart and chronological ages, influenced largely by race and educational attainment. The calculator, derived from the American Heart Association's PREVENT tool, aims to convey risk in a relatable manner by giving users an age rather than a percentage. While it is not a replacement for professional medical advice, its developers hope it facilitates discussions between patients and healthcare providers.

The introduction of the heart age calculator marks a significant advancement in public health tools intended to reshape how individuals perceive their cardiovascular risk. By translating complex medical statistics into a more relatable concept, it may empower users to take proactive steps toward heart health. However, disparities in heart ages based on race and education cannot be overlooked. As Dr. Sadiya Khan remarked, the hope is to foster informed conversations that could lead to effective preventive measures. Yet, it also raises concerns about how individuals may react to their heart age. The emotional responses to such information could vary, potentially influencing public health outcomes in unexpected ways.

Highlights

As awareness grows, the tool may lead to significant changes in heart health discussions.