CDC Report: Most U.S. Adults Have Hearts Older Than Their Age

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Vital Signs report indicating that a significant majority of adults in the U.S. show a predicted heart age greater than their chronological age. The CDC determined that approximately three out of every four adults have hearts aging faster than expected.

This elevated "heart age" corresponds with an increased susceptibility to cardiovascular events. People with a higher heart age face a greater likelihood of experiencing heart attacks and strokes, according to the CDC findings.

The report's data suggests that addressing modifiable risk factors could mitigate the problem. Changes in behavior would likely improve overall cardiovascular profiles for many U.S. adults, the agency believes.