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:
- 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?
- 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
- 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.
- Supplement wisely
Natural nutritional support goes a long way. Try:
- CoQ10 for mitochondrial energy
- Magnesium for blood pressure control
- Omega-3s for inflammation
- 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 Free Articles
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...
Mailbag: 3-Pronged Attack CRUSHES Diabetes at the Source
“They told me I might have diabetes, so I would like to know how I can battle and eliminate diabetes.” —Fighting Back Hi Fighting, You have the exact right attitude—it will be your best weapon in this battle. Let’s face it, receiving a diabetes diagnosis is disturbing. You’re sitting there, shocked and wondering what it...
7 Natural Ways to Beat Jet Lag and Motion Sickness
Are you trying to squeeze in one last vacation this summer? Maybe it’s a beach getaway, a cross-country flight, or even a cruise. But let’s be honest: nothing takes the shine off a vacation faster than feeling nauseous on a boat… or jet-lagged and groggy for days after a flight. So, let’s talk about how...
The Trigger Behind America's Brain Health Crisis
I’ve been warning about ultra-processed foods for years. But I’ll admit—even I was surprised by this latest research. A new study found that your favorite packaged snacks and sweetened beverages might be doing much more than just expanding your waistline. These ultra-processed foods could be setting the stage for serious brain problems down the road....
Doctors Are Taking Your Blood Pressure WRONG—Here's Why
I get frustrated every time I go to the doctor (yes, doctors do go to the doctor) because the people who take my blood pressure almost always do it incorrectly. And before you think I’m just being a cranky know-it-all, let me explain why this matters… How many times have you rushed into the doctor’s...
The Heart Protector Hiding in Your Morning Coffee
You reach for your prescription bottle again, wondering if this is what the rest of your life looks like. Another day, another heart med—and the side effects to go with it. As you down it with a swig of water, you know it will only treat symptoms but never truly address the root cause of...
Blood Pressure STILL High? Check Your Medicine Cabinet
Is your blood pressure running high despite taking your prescription as ordered? Your blood pressure pills might be doing their job—but other medications could be silently sabotaging them without you knowing it. I’ve seen it happen time and again—patients diligently take their blood pressure meds while simultaneously swallowing other pills that send their numbers soaring...
The Diabetes Game-Changer Your Doc Forgot to Mention
A senior patient of mine, diagnosed with diabetes, recently got a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)—and it has been an absolute game-changer. With constant monitoring, her A1C—a crucial long-term measurement of blood sugar control—is now right where it should be. And here’s the bonus: her daughter can help her keep an eye on her blood sugar,...
Mailbag: TORCH Belly Fat with My 7-Step Protocol
“What is the best way to torch white belly fat (asking on behalf of a family member)?” —The Coach Hi Coach. You’re asking a question that keeps countless people up at night, staring at their midsections in the bathroom mirror. And there’s no shortage of so-called “solutions” out there claiming to be the answer. Every...