Here’s a startling fact: your heart’s age might be the most important number you’ve never thought about—and it could predict how long you’ll live. But here’s where it gets controversial: while we obsess over birthday candles and wrinkles, our cardiovascular system could be silently aging faster than we realize, especially for menopausal women. And this is the part most people miss: your cardio age isn’t just a number—it’s a powerful indicator of your longevity and a call to action you can’t afford to ignore.
As we age, our bodies can follow different timelines, with some parts deteriorating sooner than others. For women, menopause marks a turning point. The British Heart Foundation highlights that while pre-menopausal hormones offer some protection against coronary heart disease, this shield fades post-menopause, leaving women increasingly vulnerable. Bold statement: Heart disease kills more than twice as many women as breast cancer in the UK annually, yet it’s often overlooked. By 2019, it was the leading global cause of death, with over 30,000 UK women hospitalized for heart attacks each year. Worse, survival rates for women lag behind men’s. But there’s hope: early detection and lifestyle changes can rewrite this narrative.
Enter cardio age testing—a game-changer for understanding your heart’s true health. Dr. Harpal Bains, a medical longevity expert, advocates for this test as a more precise, actionable measure of aging than general biological age assessments. ‘It’s not just about knowing your risk,’ she says, ‘it’s about taking control.’ While not yet standard in the UK, cardio age testing zeroes in on cardiovascular health—the system where aging often shows its hand first. Thought-provoking question: If your heart’s age could reveal your future, wouldn’t you want to know?
Testing is simpler than you think. Dr. Harpal’s London clinic uses a device that measures blood pressure in each arm and leg, tracking pulse wave velocity—a key indicator of arterial health. Paired with blood tests, it’s a proactive step before seeing a cardiologist. Prefer convenience? Pharmacy2U offers a digital heart health kit. A quick blood swab delivers results in 10 minutes, including your heart age and risk scores. If your results are concerning, you’ll receive a personalized plan with nutrition, exercise tips, and pharmacist support—proven to improve scores in as little as eight weeks.
But here’s the kicker: knowing your cardio age is just the start. Reducing it requires tackling the root causes of heart disease. The British Heart Foundation emphasizes five key areas: lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking, losing excess weight, and increasing physical activity. Controversial interpretation: While these steps seem straightforward, they often require systemic changes—access to healthy food, safe spaces for exercise, and support for quitting smoking. Isn’t it time we addressed these barriers head-on?
To help navigate this journey, HELLO! has partnered with Move The Gap, women’s health experts, to offer a four-week series on menopause and heart health. Co-founders Shakira Akabusi, Kate Rowe-Ham, Jenny Stout, and Monika Akabusi will share insights on heart health, mobility, muscle and bone strength, and cognitive wellness. Sign up for this free, exclusive series and take the first step toward a healthier heart.
Final question for you: If you could turn back your heart’s clock, what changes would you make today? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s start a conversation that could save lives.
