What is the new calculator developed by Northwestern Medicine?

The new calculator developed by researchers at Northwestern Medicine can predict a person's 30-year risk of developing heart disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

How does the calculator help younger adults?

The calculator identifies individuals aged 30-59 who are at high long-term risk of heart disease, even if they have low short-term risk. This can motivate them to adopt preventive measures earlier in life.

Why is early prevention of heart disease important?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, but 80% of cases are preventable. Identifying high-risk younger adults can encourage them to make lifestyle changes or seek medical interventions to reduce their future risk.

Home / Health / New Calculator Forecasts Heart Disease Risk for Younger Adults

New Calculator Forecasts Heart Disease Risk for Younger Adults

17 Nov, 2025

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Summary

New online calculator predicts 30-year heart disease risk
Identifies high-risk individuals among those with low short-term risk
Encourages early prevention efforts to reduce future heart disease

New Calculator Forecasts Heart Disease Risk for Younger Adults

As of November 17, 2025, a new online calculator has been developed to help younger adults aged 30 to 59 forecast their long-term risk of developing heart disease. The free tool, created by researchers at Northwestern Medicine, calculates a person's 30-year risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure using factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking status, and diabetes history.

The calculator provides users with their percentile ranking among their peers of the same age and sex, serving as a "wake-up call" for those at high risk. Experts note that around one in seven young adults who are at low risk in the short-term can actually face a high risk over the next 30 years.