We analyzed heart age for the entire U.S. population. We were surprised by what we found.

We kept hearing the same thing: risk numbers are hard to understand. So we built a heart age calculator that turns risk into an age you can picture. Then we tested it on national data. The story that emerged was surprising, and it points to a clearer path: we need earlier prevention.

What heart age means

Heart age answers a simple question: if a healthy person had your same predicted risk, how old would that person be? If you are 40 and your heart age is 55, your risk looks like a healthy 55-year-old.

We use the same science doctors use. ASCVD stands for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a term for heart and blood vessel disease. Our calculator uses the validated PREVENT equations to estimate 10-year ASCVD risk.

How we calculate it

• Estimate a person's 10-year ASCVD risk using the PREVENT equations, tailored by sex.
• Build a healthy comparison person matched by age and sex using NHANES data and modern prevention targets.
• Find the age where that healthy person's risk matches the individual risk.

Same math, clearer story.

The data behind the charts

NHANES is a large U.S. health survey run by the CDC. It includes exams and lab tests. We analyzed NHANES 2015-2023 and used survey weights so the results reflect the U.S. adult population.

To define a healthy comparison, we focused on people with no diabetes, no smoking history, BMI under 30, systolic blood pressure under 140, and no blood pressure medicine. For women, we allowed the blood pressure trend to shift around age 52 to reflect menopause.

Here is the national picture for men:

And here is the picture for women:

What the charts show

• About 1 in 5 adults have a heart age more than 10 years older than their actual age.
• Women show smaller gaps at younger ages, then similar gaps later in life.
• After age 65, the gap narrows because baseline risk rises for almost everyone.

Why this is empowering

Heart age is not a diagnosis. It is a conversation starter that makes risk feel real, especially for younger adults who might otherwise feel fine.

Small steps like checking blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and avoiding smoking can move heart age in the right direction.

What comes next

We are bringing this into the Veevo Health app with more comprehensive insights, not just a single number.

• Your past lab results
• A research-backed blood test
• A DEXA scan

Until then, you can see your heart age now or sign up for early access to the app.