Men face hidden heart risk years earlier than women, study suggests

Men have a much higher risk of heart attacks than women earlier in life, a new study reveals.

Researchers at Northwestern University found that men begin to develop coronary heart disease years earlier than women, with differences emerging as early as the mid-30s, according to a news release.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA), analyzed data from more than 5,000 adults, ages 18 to 30, from the mid-1980s to 2020, as part of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) analysis.

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Men reached a 5% incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, around age 50, compared with 57 for women.

Coronary heart disease, which is when the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked, was the main driver of the difference, with men reaching a 2% incidence more than a decade earlier than women. Strokes and heart failure emerged later in life.

According to the research, men’s risk began to increase more rapidly around age 35 and remained high throughout middle age. All study participants were under 65 years of age at last follow-up.

Current guidelines generally recommend that cardiovascular risk assessment begin around age 40, which some experts say may miss an important window for early prevention.

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Heart disease develops over decades, with early markers detectable in adulthood, according to the study’s senior author, Alexa Freedman, an assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

“Our findings highlight the importance of promoting heart health screening and prevention in young adulthood, especially in young men,” Freedman told News Digital.

The researchers stressed the importance of looking beyond standard measures of heart risk, such as cholesterol or blood pressure, and considering a “broader range of biological and social factors.”

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Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist and director of clinical cardiology at National Jewish Health in Denver, was not involved in the study but commented on the findings.

“We’ve always known that men tend to develop and typically die earlier from heart attacks and strokes compared to women,” he told News Digital.

Although the study did not identify why more men than women are predisposed to heart problems, Freeman said factors such as hormonal differences, diet and physical activity could come into play.

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“The standard American lifestyle makes us all sick, and then men seem to be more likely to develop this disease earlier,” the cardiologist told News Digital.

“We are more exposed than ever to toxins in virtually every component of our food supply,” he added. “We already know well that air pollution, light pollution and noise pollution are associated with earlier heart disease.”

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Americans are also more sedentary, sleep less, are more stressed and have fewer social connections, all of which can increase cardiovascular disease, Freeman added.

“I think this study really underscores that it’s time for big changes,” he said.

The doctor shared the following five “health span” tips to help prevent heart health problems.

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1. Limit exposure to toxins in the form of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine and air pollution.
2. Eat a predominantly low-fat diet based on whole foods and plants.
3. Exercise regularly, ideally 20 to 30 minutes every day at a shortness of breath level (with doctor’s approval)
4. Engage in stress-relieving activities and mindfulness exercises.
5. Get enough, uninterrupted sleep
6. Cultivate a strong support network of friends and family.

“We need to do everything we can to improve our lifestyles and reduce our disease burden.”

Freeman also recommends addressing any comorbidities, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Those at higher risk for cardiovascular events may want to consider earlier screening, although Freeman suggested that early prevention efforts should apply to everyone.

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“Coronary heart disease is occurring earlier than ever here in the U.S. and we must do everything we can to clean up our lifestyles and reduce our disease burden,” he said. “If you’re a man, you have to be more aggressive early in your life.”