Researchers have developed an MRI-based method to measure a person’s heart functional age, which can reveal how well their heart is really doing despite the number of years they’ve lived. This discovery could help doctors identify cardiac risk early and encourage people to adopt healthier habits.
According to scientists at England’s University of East Anglia, the new method uses data points like the size and strength of the heart’s chambers to calculate a person’s heart age. The results show that for those with high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity, their heart age can be significantly higher than their actual age.
For example, a 50-year-old with hypertension may have a heart age equivalent to that of a 55-year-old. This discrepancy is not just a matter of age but also a warning sign for potential health problems. Knowing the true age of one’s heart could help doctors spot heart disease before symptoms appear and encourage patients to make lifestyle changes.
This discovery highlights the importance of adopting healthy habits, such as eating better and exercising more, to maintain cardiovascular health. With heart disease being one of the world’s leading causes of death, a tool that can identify cardiac risk early is most welcome. By understanding our heart ages, we can take steps to keep them functioning at their best age.
Source: https://health.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2025-06-19/how-old-is-your-heart-mri-technology-reveals-an-unhealthy-lifestyle-add-decades