One in ten men over 50 have a heart age of a decade older than their actual age

Public Health England has published a report with an alarming statistic that shows older men are aging faster than their years.

The Heart Age Test indicates that 10% of men aged 50 or over have a heart that is ten years older than they actually are, putting them at higher risks of heart attacks and strokes.

The study was conducted using 1.2 million test results, and 64% of males had an older heart age compared to women. A new government-led campaign is trying to raise awareness of heart health, and with statistics like 7,400 deaths by heart disease and stroke per month, it shouldn’t be too difficult to press the points.

The Heart Age Test

The Heart Age Test can be used for any adult over the age of thirty. Tailored health advice can then be provided as well as links to useful articles and apps for those with a hear aging beyond their actual years.

Users who take the quiz will also be provided with information as to where they can test their blood pressure, as those with high blood pressure can be more likely to have CVD (cardiovascular disease) or experience a stroke.

One of the questions is “do you have cardiovascular disease” and another is “has a close relative under 60 been told they have a cardiovascular disease?”

According to the British Heart Foundation charity, cardiovascular disease is one of the UK’s number one killers for men, and accounts for over a quarter of all deaths in the U.K.

Accurate diagnosis of problems is key

These are alarming findings, and they highlight the importance of healthcare professionals being able to quickly and accurately diagnose heart issues to ensure lives are saved. GPs and doctors therefore must accurately diagnose symptoms so people can be made aware of it as soon as possible and take the necessary steps to help improve their health.

Other statistics released by the British Heart Foundation regarding CVD include:

Alarmingly, these statistics are for the U.K. alone…

The “One You” campaign

The One You campaign, sponsored by British Heart Foundation, Stroke Association and Blood Pressure UK, aims to raise awareness in young people about CVD and help adults to reflect and adapt their lifestyles to be healthier. Quite often, it’s easy to be ignorant of our health and deny the bad habits that adversely affect our health. Without a doctor to tell you that you live an unhealthy lifestyle, anyone can live in denial and pretend you’re “really not that unhealthy…”

The campaign hopes that it can help people come to terms with their current heart condition and do what they need to do in order to improve their overall health.

Education is important

It’s important that young people are educated about CVD and that any symptoms indicating a high risk of CVD are recognised by doctors and GPs. Even though it’s less likely for a young person to suffer a heart attack or stroke, it’s not unheard of, and the consequences can be even more devastating as it comes as a shock.

The Lead for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Associate Professor Jamie Waterall said:

“We should all aim for out heart age to be the same as our real age – addressing our risk of heart disease and stroke should not be left until we are older. 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.”

You can read more about the One You health campaign by visiting this link: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou