Why the Mid-30s Are a Major Turning Point for Men’s Heart Health

A new long-term study shows that men tend to develop heart disease earlier than women, with risk starting around age 35. The study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association followed more than 5,000 adults for 30 years. Participants were between 18 and 30 years old when the study began.

Researchers found that men and women have similar heart disease risk in their 20s and early 30s. However, in the mid-30s, men’s risk increases faster. By age 50, about 5 percent of men have developed cardiovascular disease. Women reach same percentage around age 57.

The biggest difference was seen in coronary heart disease, which happens when the heart’s arteries become clogged or narrowed. Men developed this condition about 10 years earlier than women.

Researchers explained that common risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol didn’t fully explain the differences. This suggests that biology, lifestyle, and social factors may also affect when heart disease develops.

Experts stress that women should still take heart health seriously. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for women, especially after menopause. Because of this, doctors now encourage people to start checking their heart health in their early 30s.

Try to practice healthy habits such as not smoking, eating well, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting enough sleep. Doctors recommend adults see a physician at least once a year to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Knowing your health numbers makes it easier to take action and protect your heart.