Researchers in the United Kingdom have developed a new tool that can determine how old a person’s heart is in comparison to their actual age, offering a potential breakthrough in the early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

The study, led by scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA), examined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 557 individuals across the UK, Spain, and Singapore. Of those, 336 participants had known health risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Using these scans, the researchers measured structural and functional markers of cardiac health — including the size of the heart’s chambers and how effectively it pumps blood. These indicators were then used to create an algorithm that calculates the heart’s “functional age.”

The findings, published in the European Heart Journal, revealed that individuals with cardiovascular risk factors had hearts that were, on average, 4.6 years older than their chronological age. In people with obesity, the gap was even wider, indicating faster cardiac ageing.

“People with health issues like diabetes or obesity often have hearts that are ageing faster than they should – sometimes by decades,” said Dr. Pankaj Garg, a cardiologist and lead author of the study. “This tool gives us a way to visualize and quantify that risk.”

While the tool shows promise, researchers noted some limitations. The model does not account for how long patients had lived with their conditions, and the study group primarily included older individuals who had survived with these health issues — raising concerns about survivor bias. The relatively small sample size also means the tool needs broader validation before it can be widely adopted.

Despite these limitations, the research team believes the tool could have valuable clinical applications in the future. Dr. Garg said it may help doctors counsel patients more effectively about their cardiovascular health and recommend lifestyle changes or treatments to slow heart ageing.

“By knowing your heart’s true age, patients could get advice or treatments to slow down the ageing process, potentially preventing heart attacks or strokes,” he said. “It’s about giving people a fighting chance against heart disease.”

The team hopes the tool could eventually be integrated into routine care, empowering patients to take early steps toward improving their heart health through diet, exercise, and medical intervention.

Measles, one of the world’s most contagious diseases, is spreading rapidly across Europe, with health officials warning of continued outbreaks in the coming months. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), over 4,500 cases have been reported across the European Union so far this year, with Romania experiencing the most severe impact.

Romania has recorded 3,203 measles cases through the end of March, making it the epicentre of the EU’s measles crisis. Four people have died, the only reported measles-related fatalities in the bloc this year. Experts attribute the surge in Romania to persistent vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and a strained healthcare system. The country’s measles vaccination rate stood at just 62% in 2023—well below the 95% threshold needed to achieve herd immunity and prevent outbreaks.

France has reported 345 measles cases this year, with authorities noting a significant number of infections linked to international travel, particularly from Morocco. At least 41 cases were directly tied to imported infections. Although France had a relatively high vaccination rate of 93% in 2023, unvaccinated clusters remain vulnerable to outbreaks.

Italy, with 227 cases so far in 2025, ranks just behind France in the number of infections reported outside Romania. The country’s vaccination coverage—85% in 2023—also falls short of the level needed to prevent the disease from spreading.

In the Netherlands, 204 cases have been recorded in the first quarter of the year, many stemming from travelers arriving from Morocco and Romania. Dutch health authorities reported localized clusters, particularly in primary schools and childcare facilities. Despite no national outbreak being declared, the country’s vaccination rate of 81% remains one of the lowest in the EU.

Spain has reported 202 measles infections in 2025, with several localized outbreaks and a number of imported cases. The country’s 92% vaccination coverage places it near herd immunity, but health officials caution that gaps in immunization still leave room for outbreaks, especially when cases are introduced from abroad.

Health experts across Europe are urging parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, emphasizing that the measles vaccine is both safe and effective. The ECDC continues to monitor the situation and warns that without improved vaccination coverage, the risk of further outbreaks remains high.

Last year was the worst for measles in Europe and Central Asia since 1997, with over 120,000 cases. Authorities fear 2025 could follow a similar trajectory if vaccination rates do not improve.