CHICAGO, Ill. — Men are at a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease and experiencing heart attacks years earlier than women, according to a new study from Northwestern University that analyzed cardiovascular health over several decades. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the research highlights that men begin to face increasing heart attack risk as early as their mid-30s, nearly seven years before women reach comparable risk levels.
The study draws on data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which tracked more than 5,000 adults aged 18 to 30 starting in the mid-1980s through 2020. Researchers found that men reached a 5% incidence of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, around age 50, while women reached this threshold closer to age 57. This disparity was primarily driven by coronary heart disease, where narrowed or blocked blood vessels supplying the heart muscle cause increased risk.
“Men’s cardiovascular risk begins rising sharply around age 35 and remains elevated throughout midlife,” said the lead researchers. The data showed men reached a 2% incidence of coronary heart disease more than a decade earlier than women, with stroke and heart failure appearing later in life for both sexes.
These findings suggest current cardiovascular screening guidelines, which often focus on older adults, may need to be adjusted to identify men at risk earlier. Early detection and prevention strategies could be crucial in reducing premature heart attacks and related complications in men.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, underscoring the importance of timely intervention. The study’s authors recommend that healthcare providers consider initiating cardiovascular risk assessments for men starting in their mid-30s, especially for those with additional risk factors such as family history, smoking, or high blood pressure.
Experts also emphasize lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and smoking cessation, as vital components of reducing early cardiovascular risk. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers resources for individuals seeking to understand and manage their heart health.
Dr. Jeremy London, a cardiothoracic surgeon based in Savannah, Georgia, highlights that factors like VO2 max and muscle mass are key indicators of longevity and cardiovascular fitness. “Small fitness steps can lead to a longer life,” he said in a recent interview.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence that sex differences in heart disease risk require tailored approaches to prevention and treatment. The CDC’s heart disease facts page provides further information on risk factors and prevention strategies.
As heart disease continues to pose a major public health challenge, particularly among men, this study’s findings advocate for earlier and more aggressive screening protocols to mitigate the silent progression of coronary artery disease. The hope is that increased awareness and proactive care will reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and improve outcomes for men nationwide.
