Public Health England is urging people over 30 to take an online test to determine their heart age, which indicates their risk of heart attack or stroke. The campaign predicts that about 80% of heart attacks and strokes in people under 75 could be prevented if heart health were improved.
Unhealthy lifestyles put four in five adults at risk of early death, according to estimates. The test, which is not diagnostic, can serve as a wake-up call to encourage healthy changes such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.
David, a 59-year-old from Plymouth, took the test after struggling to keep up with rehearsals for a theatre production. He was shocked to learn his heart age was 10 years older than his actual age. 'The worst moment was being told my heart is 10 years older than me and that my life expectancy was shortened,' he said. He has since joined a gym, reduced alcohol intake, and improved his diet, losing two stone and lowering his BMI by six points.
Almost two million people have taken the heart age test, with 78% of participants having a heart age higher than their actual age. Of those, 34% were more than five years older and 14% at least 10 years older. More than 84,000 people die from a heart attack or stroke each year in England.
The test is backed by the British Heart Foundation and the Stroke Association. Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, noted that around six million people in the UK are undiagnosed or untreated for high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, two major stroke risk factors. Treatment can significantly reduce stroke risk.
The 16-question test provides an estimate of heart age and risk of heart attack or stroke by a certain age, along with lifestyle suggestions. Maureen Talbot, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, advised those concerned about their heart age to speak to their GP.
