Men Face Heart Attack Risk Far Earlier Than Women, Northwestern Study Finds

Men are significantly more likely to experience heart attacks at younger ages compared to women, according to groundbreaking research from Northwestern University. The study reveals that coronary heart disease begins developing in men years earlier than previously recognized, with noticeable differences emerging as early as their mid-30s.

Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the comprehensive study tracked more than 5,000 adults over several decades, following participants from young adulthood in the mid-1980s through 2020 as part of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) analysis.

The findings show a stark contrast in cardiovascular disease progression between genders. Men reached a 5% incidence of cardiovascular disease—including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure—at approximately age 50, while women didn’t reach the same threshold until about age 57.

“Our findings highlight the importance of promoting heart health screening and prevention in young adulthood, especially for young men,” said Alexa Freedman, assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and senior study author.

Coronary heart disease, characterized by narrowed or blocked blood vessels supplying the heart muscle, emerged as the primary factor driving this gender disparity. Men reached a 2% incidence of coronary heart disease more than a decade earlier than women, with their risk beginning to accelerate around age 35 and remaining elevated throughout midlife.

The research raises important questions about current medical guidelines, which typically recommend cardiovascular risk assessment starting around age 40. Experts now suggest this approach might miss a critical window for early intervention and prevention, particularly for men.

Dr. Andrew Freeman, cardiologist and director of clinical cardiology at National Jewish Health in Denver, who was not involved in the study, commented: “We have always known that men tend to manifest and typically die earlier from things like heart attacks and strokes compared to women.”

While the study didn’t specifically identify why men develop heart issues earlier than women, Dr. Freeman pointed to several potential factors, including hormonal differences, dietary habits, and physical activity levels. “The standard American lifestyle makes us all sick, and then men seem to be more prone to developing this disease earlier,” he explained.

Environmental factors may also play a significant role in accelerating heart disease development. “We are more exposed to toxins than ever before in virtually every part of our food supply,” Freeman noted. “We already know well that air pollution, light pollution and sound pollution are all associated with earlier heart disease.”

Modern lifestyle factors—including sedentary behavior, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, and declining social connections—further contribute to increased cardiovascular risk. Freeman emphasized that these findings should serve as a wake-up call: “I think this study is really underscoring that it’s time for some big changes.”

To protect heart health, Freeman recommends six key strategies: limiting exposure to toxins like alcohol and tobacco, following a predominantly low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet, exercising regularly for 20-30 minutes daily, practicing stress management and mindfulness, ensuring adequate uninterrupted sleep, and maintaining strong social connections with friends and family.

He also advises addressing comorbidities such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, which can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular events. While earlier screening may benefit those at higher risk, Freeman stressed that prevention efforts should apply universally.

“Coronary disease is manifesting earlier than ever here in the U.S., and we need to do everything we can to clean up our lifestyles and reduce our disease burden,” he concluded. “If you’re a man, you’ve got to be extra aggressive earlier in life.”