Is your heart aging faster than you? Here's how to check its biological age.
A free, newly developed online calculator may be able to tell you, according to a large-scale study of heart health published Wednesday in JAMA Cardiology. Based on the most current equations about risks for cardiovascular disease, the calculator uses answers to a few simple questions about blood pressure, cholesterol status and other common measures of health, to determine your heart's biological age, which can be different from your body's chronological or calendar age.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
15 minutes ago
- Forbes
Decoding The Molecular Benefits Of Exercise
There has always been a dream that there could be a pill to replace exercise. New research suggests a molecule called betaine, naturally produced by the kidneys, may do just that. According to a new study published in Cell, it may mimic many of the health-protective effects of exercise. This suggests that it could help protect against aging-related decline, even in individuals who are unable to maintain regular physical activity. Betaine is produced by the kidneys. Previous research has linked it to cardiovascular health and liver function, but its role in geroprotection has been underappreciated. This research shows the kidney acts as a command center in exercise-driven rejuvenation. Betaine directly inhibits key drivers of inflammation, silencing 'inflammaging'—chronic inflammation that accelerates cellular aging. This links movement at the gym to age-defying changes in cellular Molecular Language of Movement Decades of research have linked regular exercise to longer lifespans and reduced risk for inflammation-driven diseases. Therefore, we know exercise is beneficial, but the mechanisms—what actually changes at the microscopic level—are not well understood. For example, activities such as running, cycling or resistance training have a positive effect on metabolism and heart health. Recent advances now enable us to investigate the molecular changes underlying these improvements. This new study presents a systematic, cell-by-cell analysis. It looks at how both acute and sustained exercise drive rapid shifts in molecular signatures, redefining our understanding of 'exercise as medicine'. The study tracked 13 healthy human volunteers over periods of rest, a single 5-km run, and long-term training in the form of 25 days of running. During these periods, samples were collected. These examined how the body's cells and molecules responded. More specifically, the study went beyond general health markers. It used advanced techniques, such as single-cell sequencing, to determine which genes are activated in individual cells during exercise. It also measures proteins, small molecules related to metabolism and it studies the gut microbiome. To explain this in simpler terms, you might compare this to a car tune-up. Even short, regular sessions of exercise prompt the body to 'fix' and 'upgrade' its cellular machinery, leading to wide-ranging health improvements. The study's use of sophisticated technology is like opening the hood and not just checking the oil, but inspecting every engine part for improvement. These tests and samples provide an unprecedented, detailed insight into the body's inner workings in response to exercise. The findings show that a single workout triggers a short burst of inflammation, described as 'metabolic chaos,' that helps the body adjust to sudden physical stress. Sustained exercise, on the other hand, reprograms the body towards youthfulness, reshapes the gut microbiome, enhances antioxidant activity, promotes DNA stability in immune cells and elevates betaine Path Forward in Understanding the Molecular Benefits of Exercise These results build upon prior work linking exercise to reductions in cellular senescence, tissue inflammation, and metabolic disease—all key hallmarks of aging. What distinguishes this research is the identification of a single, kidney-derived metabolite that can orchestrate what is known as systemic geroprotection. Consider the case of elderly patients facing joint pain or disability. They are often unable to engage in adequate physical activity. Betaine supplementation, pending further clinical validation, could potentially offer a pharmacological lifeline to healthspan extension, helping these individuals maintain independence and quality of life without the barrier of vigorous exercise. That said, the study tested only a small, similar group of people, so we can't be sure the results apply to everyone. The limited sample size and lack of participant diversity mean that the findings may not be generalizable to broader populations. Still, the early results are promising. As research moves from bench to bedside, we approach an era where the secrets of exercise may be unlocked—and replicated—to benefit all.
Fox News
15 minutes ago
- Fox News
'Carnivore babies' diet trend takes off on social media
The Proper Human Diet creator Dr. Ken Berry joins 'America's Newsroom' to discuss parents turning to carnivore diets for babies.
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
RAM Technologies' Rapid Growth Earns National Recognition on Inc. 5000 List
PHILADELPHIA, August 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RAM Technologies, Inc., a leading technology enabled services provider to Medicare Advantage, Special Needs and Managed Medicaid health plans, has earned a place on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. With three-year revenue growth of nearly 100%, this marks the company's ninth time on the list. The Inc. 5000 offers a data-driven look at the nation's most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment—independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Rankings are based on percentage revenue growth from 2021 to 2024, and RAM Technologies was honored for its exceptional growth and innovation. "It's an honor to once again be recognized on the Inc. 5000 list," said Robert Tulio, CEO of RAM Technologies. "Our growth is the result of a clear mission to equip government-sponsored health plans with software and services to operate efficiently and put members at the center of every decision. This achievement reflects the impact we're making in the healthcare industry, and our team's focus on innovation and quality." The company's sustained growth has been fueled by expanding relationships with health plans nationwide, a commitment to exceptional client service and the ability to provide BPaaS solutions that enhance outcomes for clients. RAM Technologies specializes in delivering purpose-built solutions for government-sponsored health plans. The company's core platform, HEALTHsuite Advantage, gives health plans added flexibility through the choice of SaaS and BPaaS deployment models. By combining software with expert implementation and support, RAM helps health plans reduce costs, streamline operations and improve member experiences. "Our solutions give health plans tools to operate more efficiently, deliver a better experience for members and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements," said Tulio. "We're proud to have achieved sustained growth in such a competitive market, and we remain focused on delivering solutions to help our clients succeed." For the full list, company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, visit: About RAM Technologies RAM Technologies is a leading provider of enterprise solutions for government-sponsored healthcare payers. For over 44 years RAM Technologies has led the way in the creation of comprehensive, end-to-end SaaS and BPaaS solutions for health plans administering Medicare Advantage, Managed Medicaid and Special Needs plans. Our deep understanding of Medicare and Medicaid guarantees seamless integration and operational ease, allowing health plan staff to focus on what matters most. To learn more about RAM Technologies visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact Robert Meyer, RAM Technologies, Inc., rmeyer@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
