A widely publicized new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that nearly 69 million adults aged 30-74 have a heart age older than their actual age. These figures are based on risk-factor data collected from every state and the Framingham Study Heart Age Calculator (a project of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and Boston University). Risk factors include age, body mass index, hypertension (systolic blood pressure and whether taking antihypertensive medication), smoking status and diabetes.
CDC researchers determined that the average heart age for men is 8 years older than their actual age, and the average heart age for women is 5 years older. Although heart age exceeds actual age for all race and ethnic groups, heart age is highest among African Americans at 11 years older than actual age.
Patients can calculate their heart age online, and they may have questions for you regarding what they can do to lead healthier lives. Here are resources to help.
Physician resources
- Improving blood pressure control: Online module from AMA STEPS Forward™ – CME available!
- M.A.P. to improve blood pressure control: These materials from the AMA and Johns Hopkins Medicine include checklists, common errors when measuring blood pressure, information about self-measured blood pressure and more
- Patient-centered and practical application of new high cholesterol guidelines to prevent cardiovascular disease: JAMA Viewpoint and video
- Guideline-based statin eligibility, coronary artery calcification and cardiovascular events: JAMA study
- Preventing type 2 diabetes in at-risk patients: Online module from AMA STEPS Forward – CME available!
- Prevent Diabetes STAT: Screen, Test, Act – Today™: This multi-year AMA and CDC initiative can help you refer patients to diabetes prevention programs in your community or online
Patient resources
- CDC infographics
- Risk factors for heart disease: JAMA patient page
- Aspirin therapy: JAMA patient page
- Smoking and the heart: JAMA patient page
- Diabetes: JAMA patient page
