Important heart test you might need after turning 40 — but likely don’t know about

Understanding Heart Age and Its Implications

It seems that the older I get, the more I hear about this concept of “heart age.” A recent study from Northwestern University highlights an alarming trend: many Americans’ hearts are aging faster than they are. On average, men’s hearts are aging about seven years quicker than their actual age, while women’s hearts are about four years older.

This “heart age” isn’t just a number. It’s meaningful in terms of health risks. Essentially, if your heart is older than your biological age, you might face a higher risk of serious conditions like a heart attack or stroke. In fact, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming around 700,000 lives annually.

According to Dr. Tom C. Nguyen, a leading medical professional at Baptist Health’s Miami Heart & Vascular Institute, people over 40 should consider non-invasive tests to gauge their risk for such events. He suggests that even those without a history of heart disease might look into coronary calcium scores.

These scans use advanced X-ray techniques to assess plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Plaque, which forms over time from cholesterol, fat, and other substances, can significantly restrict blood flow.

Atherosclerosis, a condition recognized as a major contributor to various cardiovascular issues, affects about half of Americans between the ages of 45 to 84. Researchers have found that calcium scans are reliable indicators of this condition.

The procedure only takes about 10-15 minutes at a medical facility, but costs can range from $100 to $400, and it’s worth noting that insurance may not cover it.

During the test, the patient lies on a table that slides into a CT scanner, with electrodes attached to monitor heart activity. Scores from the scan can range from zero, indicating no plaque and a low risk, to over 400, suggesting significant plaque buildup and a heightened risk of severe heart disease.

If someone receives a high score, treatment options might include medications like statins to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol or other measures to address severe blockages. Sometimes, a simple lifestyle change could be sufficient.