A new study from the Cleveland Clinic finds that while many Americans feel optimistic about aging well, a large number may be underestimating their risk for heart disease.
According to the research, at least one in four adults reports having at least one known risk factor for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, or chronic, unmanaged stress.
Doctor Samir Kapadia, who leads cardiovascular medicine at Cleveland Clinic, says healthy aging starts long before symptoms appear.
“Healthy aging is really about prevention,” Kapadia said. “Managing risk factors early can make a significant difference in long-term heart health.”
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, yet many risk factors are preventable or manageable through lifestyle changes, regular screenings, and stress reduction.
Health experts say staying active, eating a heart-healthy diet, keeping up with medical checkups, and addressing stress are key steps people can take at any age to protect their heart and support healthier aging.
