Health
Men face hidden heart risk years earlier than women, study suggests
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Men are at a much higher risk of heart attacks than women earlier in life, a new study reveals.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that men start to develop coronary heart disease years earlier than women, with differences emerging as early as the mid-30s, according to a press release.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA), analyzed data from more than 5,000 adults, aged 18 to 30, from the mid-1980s through 2020, as part of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) analysis.
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Men reached a 5% incidence of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, at around 50 years old compared to 57 for women.
Coronary heart disease, which is when blood vessels that supply the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked, was the main driver of the difference, as men reached a 2% incidence more than a decade before women. Stroke and heart failure emerged later in life.
Heart disease risk among men rises faster at around 35 years of age, research finds. (iStock)
Men’s risk began rising faster at around age 35 and remained high throughout midlife, according to the research. Everyone in the study was under 65 years old at the last follow-up.
Current guidelines generally recommend cardiovascular risk assessment beginning around age 40, which some experts say may miss an important window for early prevention.
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Heart disease develops over decades, with early markers detectable in young adulthood, according to senior study author Alexa Freedman, assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Lifestyle factors are most likely the main driver of cardiovascular events in men, a cardiologist suggests. (iStock)
“Our findings highlight the importance of promoting heart health screening and prevention in young adulthood, especially for young men,” Freedman told Fox News Digital.
The researchers emphasized the importance of looking beyond standard measures of heart risk, like cholesterol or blood pressure, and considering a “broader range of biological and social factors.”
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Dr. Andrew Freeman, cardiologist and director of clinical cardiology at National Jewish Health in Denver, was not involved in the study but commented on the findings.
“We have always known that men tend to manifest and typically die earlier from things like heart attacks and strokes compared to women,” he told Fox News Digital.
The lead researcher recommends more frequent or early CT angiograms to help prevent cardiac events. (iStock)
Although the study did not identify why more men are predisposed to heart issues than women, Freeman said factors like hormonal differences, diet and physical activity could come into play.
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“The standard American lifestyle makes us all sick, and then men seem to be more prone to developing this disease earlier,” the cardiologist told Fox News Digital.
“We are more exposed to toxins than ever before in virtually every part of our food supply,” he added. “We already know well that air pollution, light pollution and sound pollution are all associated with earlier heart disease.”
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Americans are also more sedentary, get less sleep, are more stressed and are less socially connected, all of which can increase cardiovascular diseases, Freeman added.
“I think this study is really underscoring that it’s time for some big changes,” he said.
Regular daily exercise is one way to set up your heart for a long life, experts agree. (iStock)
The doctor shared the following five “healthspan” tips to help prevent heart health issues.
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- Limit toxin exposure in the form of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine and air pollution
- Eat a predominately low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet
- Exercise regularly, ideally 20 to 30 minutes every day at a level of breathlessness (with sign-off from a doctor)
- Partake in stress-relieving activities and mindfulness exercises
- Get adequate, uninterrupted sleep
- Cultivate a strong support network of friends and family
“We need to do everything we can to clean up our lifestyles and reduce our disease burden.”
Freeman also recommends addressing any comorbidities, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
Those at a higher risk of cardiovascular events may want to consider earlier screening, although Freeman suggested that early prevention efforts should apply to everyone.
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“Coronary disease is manifesting earlier than ever here in the U.S., and we need to do everything we can to clean up our lifestyles and reduce our disease burden,” he said. “If you’re a man, you’ve got to be extra aggressive earlier in life.”
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America’s youth have been increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records.
A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, representing 53 poison centers across the country, alerted a “concerning rise” in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teens ages 13 to 19.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in allergy and sleep medications such as Benadryl and Zzzquil, as mentioned in the advisory.
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From 2024 to 2025, the total exposure to any substance among teens in this age group reportedly increased by 5.1%.
But cases involving diphenhydramine alone increased more rapidly, from 10,068 to 13,284 cases, a 32% spike.
Thirteen percent of diphenhydramine cases in 2026 have been linked to intentional abuse, an increase from 7.3% in 2020. (iStock)
The trend appears to be continuing into 2026, as the first five months saw 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases in teens — more than double the prior year.
According to America’s Poison Centers, the exposure appears to be driven by recreational misuse rather than accidental over-medication. Thirteen percent of cases in 2026 were linked to intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020.
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Taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can affect the brain and heart, and can lead to serious or life-threatening effects, the advisory warned.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in over-the-counter allergy and sleep medications. (iStock)
Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness.
To avoid overexposure and complications, America’s Poison Centers advises the public to store all medications safely, up high, and out of reach of kids and teens. Label instructions should be followed carefully.
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“Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning,” the notice suggested. “Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.”
Those who suspect misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center immediately.
America’s Poison Centers advises the public to “be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.” (iStock)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue commented that the “health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately,” a Kenvue spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products.”
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“We are working with social media platform safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading,” they added. “We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over-the-counter medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately.”
Mary Leonard, SVP of communications and public affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, called the recent report “deeply concerning.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” she told Fox News Digital. “When used as directed, millions of Americans rely on OTC medicines containing diphenhydramine for relief from allergies, cold symptoms, motion sickness, minor skin irritations and occasional sleeplessness.”
“Because misuse of any medication can result in serious health consequences, the Drug Facts label clearly communicates dosing instructions, warnings and other important safety information.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” an industry spokesperson said. (iStock)
Kenvue shared the following three steps people can take to help prevent misuse.
- Report content related to this trend on the social media platform where it appears.
- Always store OTC medicines up and away in places children cannot access — preferably in locked cabinets or containers — and never leave medications on counters, bedside tables or in open bags, even temporarily.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions on the label and educate children on safe usage.
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“Dosing instructions and additional safety information are available on Benadryl.com, and always remember to consult a healthcare professional should you have questions,” the spokesperson added.
Fox News Digital reached out to Zzzquil maker P&G for comment.
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