A groundbreaking study published in a leading cardiology journal reveals that many adults have hearts biologically older than their actual age. Using a modern risk assessment tool based on comprehensive population data, researchers estimate that heart aging often outpaces chronological age. The findings carry significant implications for Thailand’s approach to preventing cardiovascular disease, the nation’s second-leading cause of death.
Biological heart age measures how well the cardiovascular system is aging, independent of calendar years. The calculator relies on clear clinical factors such as age, sex, cholesterol, blood pressure, kidney function, diabetes status, smoking history, and medication use. In a routine check-up, this tool can provide a precise, actionable snapshot of heart health, prompting timely lifestyle changes and treatment decisions.
Involving about 14,000 adults in the United States from ages 30 to 79, the study found that more than half had heart ages noticeably higher than their true ages. Hypertension, poor diet, inactivity, and unequal access to care contribute to this rapid cardiovascular aging. Notably, men showed an average heart age about seven years older than their actual age, while women averaged about four years older.
Disparities in heart aging were pronounced across education and race, underscoring the need for targeted public health actions. Individuals with lower educational attainment and certain minority groups experienced larger gaps between heart age and actual age. For example, patterns emerged showing higher heart age accelerations among Black and Hispanic participants, with varying degrees among Asian and White groups. These insights point to the importance of culturally aware health interventions in diverse communities.
Experts emphasize that communicating risk through a relatable heart-age frame can motivate meaningful changes, including healthier eating, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and adherence to medications. However, researchers caution that not everyone will react positively to learning their heart age. Messages should emphasize potential improvements and provide accessible, culturally appropriate support.
The Thai context makes these findings especially relevant. Cardiovascular disease remains a major health challenge in Thailand, with rising risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, particularly in urban areas where lifestyle changes have outpaced traditional protective habits. Public health officials see potential in adopting simplified heart-age tools to improve understanding of risk and encourage proactive management across all communities.
Thailand’s universal health coverage system and strong public health infrastructure offer a solid foundation for integrating heart-age assessments into routine care and nationwide health campaigns. Barriers remain, including uneven access to preventive services and health literacy gaps. Any implementation should avoid stigmatization and instead empower people with practical steps and local support networks.
Culturally sensitive communication is crucial. Thai health messages can align with family-centered values and community solidarity, framing heart-age information as a pathway to healthier futures for families rather than a source of anxiety. Updated models that reflect Asian populations may enhance relevance for Thai adults, improving risk accuracy across regions.
To reduce heart age, individuals are advised to increase fruit and vegetable intake, cut sodium and added sugars, avoid tobacco, limit ultra-processed foods, stay physically active, and have regular blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Policymakers should promote clear, accessible health information and invest in community programs that support healthy choices in both urban and rural areas.
As Thailand continues to confront aging demographics and rising cardiovascular disease, heart-age tools — when paired with practical resources and community support — can drive meaningful improvements in population health. Effective risk communication, together with targeted interventions, can help people of all backgrounds pursue longer, healthier lives.