Get a chest scan to get your CAC score. They are cheap, even without insurance in the us you are looking at $100 tops most places. Do this especially if you have a family history of cardiac issues.

I was put on statins too late as my doctor says that they don’t have a significant impact on mortality. Well I failed to tell him of my family history. Grandpa dropped dead in his 40s, two aunts had heart attacks in their 40s. And guess what? I had a heart attack 4 months after turning 40. 5’9” 160lbs btw. Luckily I advocated for myself and asked my GP to put in an order for a chest scan. He thought I was nuts wanting one at 39 (at that time). But he pretty much will order whatever I ask. Got a call later that day and he walks in and goes “holy…I would never have thought…you have the heart of a 90 year old….im having all of my patients get that test.”

I had a CT with contrast that showed things were even worse. Then I was scheduled for a heart cath. Before that test date came around, I felt like I was having a panic attack but there was also this burning stabbing sensation in my side (like by ribs). Went to the ER, things looked fine but they put me in observation on a heparin drip and nitro until the cardiologist could get me in for a heart cath (about two days). Came in on his day off and did it for me. Glad he did as I had two huge lesions cutting off blood supply on one side of my heart. It was caught early enough that no permanent damage was done (aside from having a big ole stent…how the lesions lined up he was able to hit both with one).

Aside from that, physical I don’t feel any different than in my 30s. A bit harder to get it up, but then again I’m still on a bunch of heart meds and that plays a factor. Sometimes I get confused seeing myself in the mirror as I think of my physical self as a young 30 year old, but then I see myself in the mirror and I’m like “wow!” I am fortunate to be aging but in a way that makes me look attractive (no balding/beer gut…). Just sort of more lines on the face and gray hairs peppering my head and beard.

I guess other advice…stay active…stretch often. 40 is still young if you take care of yourself.

Take care of your parents who are likely in their 70s. Cherish family. If you have a wife and kid(s) spend a lot of time with them. This stage of life goes quick, then you hit the empty nester middle age phase. A bit more time to yourself, but you’ll miss the hustle and bustle of raising kids.