Heart Health Has a Gender Gap: Why Men and Women Age Differently — and Need Different Care

By Dr. Kathryn Dundas | Sublime Life

Slow Age with Intention

Presence in the Heart

Your heart doesn’t age at the same pace as the rest of you. Recent research shows men’s hearts often appear nearly a decade “older” than their chronological age, while women experience a steep rise in risk after menopause when estrogen’s protective effects wane.

At Sublime Life, we see firsthand how personalized testing can make all the difference. A one-size-fits-all approach misses the nuances of sex, hormones, and metabolism.

Different Roads to the Same Destination

• Men: Tend to develop cardiovascular disease earlier, often tied to visceral fat and “older” heart age. Interestingly, maintaining testosterone in a youthful physiologic range appears cardioprotective. For select men, TRT (testosterone replacement therapy)—carefully monitored—may support vascular health, energy, and longevity.

• Women: Often “catch up” in cardiovascular risk after menopause. Inflammation (hsCRP), subtle shifts in blood pressure, and hormonal transitions accelerate risk. This is why midlife hormone and biomarker reviews matter so much.

Testing That Anchors You in Truth

At Sublime Life, we offer:

• Bioimpedance testing → to assess body composition beyond BMI, including visceral fat that drives cardiovascular aging.

• Hormone consultations → to understand your unique hormonal shifts, whether testosterone, estrogen, or cortisol balance.

• Cardiac Longevity Consults → where we can assess lipoprotein(a) (a powerful marker for genetic plaque risk), advanced lipid panels, and inflammation markers.

These results guide targeted interventions—whether lifestyle shifts, hormone support, or supplements.

Mitochondria: The Heart’s Spark Plugs

Every heartbeat depends on healthy mitochondria. With age, mitochondrial function declines—especially in the heart, liver, and kidneys. Supporting them is key for endurance, vitality, and cardiovascular resilience.

Practitioner Pick

 QGel CoQ10 — a highly absorbable form of Coenzyme Q10, shown to fuel mitochondrial energy production and support heart health.

The Bottom Line

Men and women age differently—and so do their hearts. Testing, tailoring, and timely interventions are what extend not just lifespan, but healthspan.

At Sublime Life, we believe in science with soul: personalized protocols that meet you exactly where you are in your journey.

Live a Sublime Life,

Dr. K. Dundas, M.D., C.C.F.P.