Heart disease risk may begin in your mid-30s.

A Northwestern Medicine analysis of CARDIA data found that men’s risk of heart disease begins to rise around age 35, and researchers say earlier screening could identify risk factors sooner.

A new analysis from Northwestern Medicine reports that men’s risk of heart disease starts to increase in the mid-30s. The study used long-running cohort data to look for when measurable risk begins to appear. The timing is notable because many screening programs focus on people over 40. The findings were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Key findings: - Researchers analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which enrolled about 5,100 men. - The analysis found men’s heart disease risk began to rise at roughly age 35. - Investigators and quoted authors identified earlier risks such as tobacco use, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and noted other health factors like kidney health can be relevant. - The American Heart Association’s PREVENT risk tool was developed using research cohorts and electronic medical record data spanning millions of U.S. adults, according to AHA commentary cited in the reporting. Summary: The report highlights that measurable heart disease risk can appear in the mid-30s, which contrasts with common screening focus on older adults. Undetermined at this time.