Heart Disease Risk: Men Face Earlier Onset, Study Finds
Men may be at increased risk of developing heart disease significantly earlier than previously thought, with a key divergence in cardiovascular health appearing around age 35, according to new research. The findings suggest a need to re-evaluate current heart disease screening and prevention guidelines, which often focus on adults over 40.
The study, led by researchers at Northwestern Medicine and published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. This long-term study enrolled over 5,100 Black and white adults aged 18 to 30 in the mid-1980s and followed them through 2020, providing a unique opportunity to pinpoint when cardiovascular disease risk began to differ between men and women.
Researchers found that up until around age 35, men and women exhibited similar levels of cardiovascular risk. However, after this point, men’s risk began to climb at a faster rate and remained consistently higher throughout midlife. Specifically, the study revealed that men reached a 5% incidence of cardiovascular disease – encompassing heart attack, stroke, and heart failure – approximately seven years earlier than women (50.5 years versus 57.5 years). The difference was most pronounced in the development of coronary heart disease, with men reaching a 2% incidence more than a decade earlier than their female counterparts.
“That timing may seem early, but heart disease develops over decades, with early markers detectable in young adulthood,” explained Alexa Freedman, assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and senior author of the study. “Screening at an earlier age can help identify risk factors sooner, enabling preventive strategies that reduce long-term risk.”
Understanding Heart Disease and Its Urgency
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a section of the heart muscle is blocked, typically by a blood clot. This blockage deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, leading to damage or death of the tissue. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, a heart attack is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and stroke is also a major contributor to mortality and disability. Recognizing the early signs of risk and implementing preventative measures are therefore crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Why the Difference?
While previous studies have established that men generally experience heart disease earlier than women, the persistence of this gap despite increasingly similar risk factors – such as smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes – was surprising to researchers. This suggests that factors beyond these traditional measures play a significant role in the earlier onset of heart disease in men.
“To better understand why sex differences in heart disease persist, it’s important to look beyond standard measures such as cholesterol and blood pressure and consider a broader range of biological and social factors,” Freedman stated.
Prevention is Key: What Men Can Do
The study’s findings underscore the importance of proactive cardiovascular prevention, particularly for men starting in their 30s. Researchers recommend a multi-faceted approach, including regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, consistent physical activity, a balanced diet, avoidance of tobacco use, and stress management.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of healthy habits in preventing heart disease. These include choosing healthy foods and drinks, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking. The CDC recommends at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for adults, and 1 hour of physical activity daily for children and adolescents.
Early detection and management of risk factors can significantly delay the development of coronary heart disease and reduce the likelihood of a heart attack later in life. For individuals who have already experienced a heart attack, a comprehensive treatment plan developed with a healthcare team – potentially including medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes – is essential to prevent future events.
The researchers emphasize that heart disease is a decades-long process, and early intervention can have a substantial impact on long-term cardiovascular health. By adopting preventative measures and seeking regular check-ups, men can take proactive steps to protect their hearts and reduce their risk of developing this potentially life-threatening condition.
