Men begin to develop heart disease earlier than women, with long-term research showing that the risk increases more rapidly around age 35. The difference is mainly due to coronary heart disease, not stroke or heart failure. Traditional risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking explain only part of this gender difference. The findings suggest that earlier screening and detection of problems in men at a younger age could help catch the disease before serious heart damage occurs. These findings are important for preventive medicine and a personalized approach to men's health care.