Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 6, 2025

Maybe you feel young for your age.

Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you?

That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about four years older than her chronological age. For men, it’s seven years older.

And if you’re working class or didn’t go to college? Your heart might be aging even faster.

Let’s take a closer look at what this means—and how you can reclaim your heart health with a few smart (and natural) moves.

Instead of confusing you with percentages like “15% percent risk over 10 years,” this study used something called risk age—a way to measure how old your heart acts based on your current health.

And the results were eye-opening.

• For low-income Americans, nearly one in four women and more than one in three men had hearts 10+ years older than their actual age.
• If you only have a high school diploma or less, your heart is aging about six to eight years faster.

We’re not talking about wrinkles and gray hair here. We’re talking about stiff arteries, high blood pressure, sluggish circulation, and rising heart attack risk.

But here’s the good news: Heart age isn’t set in stone. You can make powerful changes starting today.

Here are five ways to turn back your heart’s clock:

1. Know your numbers

The “ideal” cardiovascular profile includes cholesterol under 120 mg/dL, blood pressure of 110/70, healthy kidneys, no smoking, and no need for blood pressure or cholesterol meds. How close are you?

2. Eat like your heart depends on it

Focus on anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy foods like:

• Leafy greens
• Fatty fish (wild-caught salmon, sardines)
• Berries
• Avocados and olive oil
• Nuts and seeds

3. Move your body

Even 30 minutes a day of brisk walking can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and reduce inflammation. Your heart’s favorite exercise? The one you’ll actually do.

4. Supplement wisely

Natural nutritional support goes a long way. Try:

• CoQ10 for mitochondrial energy
• Magnesium for blood pressure control
• Omega-3s for inflammation

5. Manage stress

Chronic stress accelerates heart aging. Daily mindfulness, deep breathing, or even just spending more time in nature can make a big difference.

The sooner you start tracking your “heart age,” the sooner you can take action.

As the saying goes: “You’re only as old as your arteries.” So, let’s get those arteries feeling young again.

P.S. Trouble hearing? Your heart could be at risk.

Source:

Krishnan V, Huang X, Perak AM, et al. PREVENT Risk Age Equations and Population Distribution in US Adults. JAMA Cardiol. Published online July 30, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2025.2427

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND