July 31 (UPI) -- Researchers who have developed a new "heart age" calculator say many Americans have unhealthy hearts that are physiologically older than their chronological age, with men faring worse than women.
The research team theorizes that telling folks their heart age might help spur them to healthier lifestyles and treatment.
"Many people who should be on medicine to lower their risk for heart attack, stroke or heart failure are not on these medications," explained study senior author Dr. Sadiya Khan in a news release. "We hope this new heart age calculator will help support discussions about prevention and ultimately improve health for all people."
The new heart age calculator, which is free to the public, is available online. Study findings were published Wednesday in JAMA Cardiology.
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