Researchers have developed an online tool that tells you your "heart age." Instead of giving you a complicated percentage risk of a heart attack or stroke, the tool gives you a single number that is easier to understand. For example, a 45-year-old person might find out they have a heart age of 60, which is a powerful way to show that their heart is working much harder than it should be. The tool is based on the same information doctors already use to assess your risk, including your age, sex, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and whether you smoke or have diabetes. What Heart Age Reveals About Americans According to the study published in the JAMA Cardiology, researchers tested the calculator on more than 14,000 U.S. adults. On average, they found that most people's hearts were older than their actual age. The gap was bigger for men than for women. Women: Average age 51.3, average heart age 55.4Men: Average age 49.7, average heart age 56.7 The difference was even greater for Black and Hispanic participants and those with lower income and education levels. A heart age that is five to ten years older than your real age is a sign that you should talk to your doctor about making lifestyle changes or starting treatment. How Does This Tool Help Heart Health? Many experts believe this new tool is a great way to help people understand their heart health. Presenting risk as a simple "heart age" is more impactful and easier to grasp than a percentage. However, some doctors are not so sure. They point out that we don't have proof that knowing your heart age actually leads to people making healthier choices. They also worry that a person with a low heart age might get a false sense of security and ignore other risk factors. How to Use the Heart Age Tool If you want to try the tool, you'll need some information from your last doctor's visit, such as your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. If your heart age is higher than your actual age, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor. They can help you create a plan to lower it by focusing on key areas like: Lowering high blood pressure and cholesterolQuitting smokingImproving your dietExercising more oftenCan Slow Down Your Biological Aging? According to the National Institute of Health, treatments are still being developed, there are many things you can do right now to slow the aging process. Experts agree that the best ways to stay healthy as you age are the same things you already know: Physical activity is considered one of the most effective ways to combat aging. Healthy eating is also crucial.Calorie restriction (CR), or reducing your calorie intake while still getting essential nutrients, has been shown to increase longevity and delay age-related diseases in studies. A two-year study found that people who reduced their calories by an average of 12.5% showed a slower biological aging pace.Other key lifestyle choices include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, and managing health conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol.