Your heart may be 10 years older than you
Poor lifestyle has left many 50-year-old men with the heart of someone a decade older, says health group
FIFTY is the new 60 for one in 10 middle-aged men whose poor lifestyle has left them with the heart of someone 10 years older, Public Health England (PHE) has warned. In 2015 the NHS launched its Heart Age Test to help people discover if they were at risk of heart attack and stroke.
New analysis of the results from 1.2million middle-aged men who took the test showed that one in 10 men aged 50 has the heart of a 60 year-old, suggesting they could die a decade earlier than they should.
The problem is worse for men than women. Of those found to have a heart age 10 years older than their actual age, only 36 per cent were women.
Every month, 7,400 people die from heart disease or stroke. A quarter of the deaths are of people under 75 but most of those could be prevented by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and living a healthier lifestyle.
Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, has declined in recent years but is still the main cause of death among men and the secondhighest cause of death in women.
Having a high heart age increases the risk of serious health issues including dementia, heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease and diabetes.
Associate Professor Jamie Waterall, the lead for cardiovascular disease prevention at PHE, said: “The Heart Age Test is really important as it gives an immediate idea of heart attack and stroke risk, with no doctor’s appointment needed.”
As part of its One You campaign, PHE has launched a more up-to-date version of the test. People who take the test will be referred to apps, advice and resources to help them eat and drink better, get active and quit smoking to improve their health.
For the first time, the test will direct users to their nearest blood pressure station if they do not know theirs, as those with high blood pressure are more at risk of heart disease or stroke.
High blood pressure is often symptomless and 5.6million people in England have high blood pressure but do not know it.
Katharine Jenner, the chief executive of Blood Pressure UK, said: “Getting your blood pressure tested in your nearest pharmacy or health centre can be the first important step to prolonging your life.”
Dr Mike Knapton, the medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “It’s extremely worrying that so many people don’t know their blood pressure or cholesterol levels, as these silent conditions can lead to a deadly heart attack or stroke if untreated.
“The Heart Age Test is a quick and easy way to estimate the number of years you will live in good health.
“If you are concerned by the age of your heart, make an appointment with your GP.”
The campaign runs throughout September in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, the Stroke Association and Blood Pressure UK.