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RUWhy Does the Risk of Heart Disease Increase Earlier in Men?
Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading health problems that often progress silently over many years and can lead to serious consequences when detected late. Scientific studies show that the risk of heart disease begins to rise at earlier ages in men compared to women. In this health guide, we summarize at what ages the risk starts to increase and what can be done to protect against it.
What Do Studies Show?
According to a long term study conducted in the United States and published in a respected international scientific journal, the risk of heart disease in men begins to diverge from that of women starting at approximately age 35.
As part of the study, more than 5,000 individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 were monitored through regular health checkups for nearly 34 years. The long term data revealed that heart disease can begin developing much earlier than previously believed.
Why Does Risk Increase Earlier in Men?
According to the study results:
- The risk of heart disease in men becomes noticeable on average in the early 50s.
- In women, this risk appears approximately 7 years later.
Hormonal differences, lifestyle habits, and earlier exposure to risk factors may contribute to this gap.
The “Silent” Increase in Risk After Age 35
Experts emphasize that in men, the risk of heart disease often rises without noticeable symptoms after age 35. During this period:
- Smoking
- Unhealthy and irregular eating habits
- A sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
can negatively affect the heart and vascular system without being noticed.
Early Checkups Save Lives
Viewing heart disease solely as a problem of older age is a major misconception. Especially for men:
- Having regular health checkups starting in their 30s
- Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
- Receiving earlier evaluation if there is a family history of early onset heart disease
can significantly reduce the risk of a future heart attack.
Recommendations for Protecting Heart Health
- Do not neglect regular physical activity
- Maintain a balanced, heart friendly diet
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products
- Develop habits that help manage stress
- Do not postpone health checkups
Heart health is protected not by actions taken later in life, but by the steps taken today. Early awareness and regular monitoring against the increased risk of heart disease in men at younger ages are among the most important keys to a healthy life.
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The development of this content was contributed by the Biruni University Hospital Board. The content of the page is for informational purposes only. The page content does not include elements intended for therapeutic health services. For diagnosis and treatment, please consult your physician.
