How does it work
The science behind Heart Age – the Framingham Heart Study
In 1948, when little was known about the causes of heart disease, around 5,000 people
in Framingham, Massachusetts took part in a landmark study looking at what leads
some people to develop heart disease and others to escape it.
In collaboration with Boston University, the Framingham Heart Study recorded physical
information about the participants every two years. Patterns emerged and factors
that increase people’s risk of developing heart disease were identified (known
as "risk factors").
Over the years, careful monitoring of the Framingham Heart Study participants has
made it possible for researchers to identify the major factors that increase people’s
risk of heart disease: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, obesity,
diabetes and physical inactivity.
The study continues to this day to shed light on factors responsible for heart disease,
stroke and other age-related conditions, such as dementia.
How the Heart Age Tool works
The Framingham Heart Study developed a mathematical method, called the Framingham Risk Score, for calculating the odds that an individual with a combination of risk factors will develop heart disease over the next 10 years.
The Heart Age Tool uses this method to calculate how old an individual’s heart is compared to their actual age. People input their levels of blood pressure, blood cholesterol, whether or not they are a smoker or a diabetic – all factors that increase their risk of heart disease.
The Heart Age Tool also asks questions about the individual’s lifestyle –their diet and levels of physical activity. The information they provide helps the Heart Age Tool to make some personal recommendations to improve a person's heart "age."
Disclaimer
Remember, the Heart Age Tool is intended solely as an educational tool. It is not
medical advice, nor is it a substitute for medical advice. The scores and messages
it generates are based solely on the input provided by the user and do not represent,
nor should they in any way be relied on as, a medical diagnosis. You should always
have regular check-ups with your doctor and consult, on a regular basis, with your
doctor regarding your heath. In particular, you should always consult with your
doctor before embarking on any significant changes to your diet, level of physical
activity or lifestyle.