Warning over men's 'heart age'

05 September 2017 07:31

Campaigners have warned over the importance of heart age

Campaigners have warned over the importance of heart age

Many middle-aged men have hearts in a condition that makes the organ seem older than the men's actual age, a new study has revealed.

Researchers found that around one in 10 (11%) 50-year-old men had a heart age 10 years older than their actual age in years.

Some 1.2 million men and women took part in the Public Health England study carried out alongside the British Heart Foundation and other organisations.

The risk of an old heart

People with so-called older hearts are more likely to suffer a heart attack or a stroke.

If you have suffered heart problems in the past you can arrange specialist medical travel insurance before travelling overseas.

Campaigners have called for greater awareness of heart age and the need for the gap between that and a person's real age to be narrowed.

Check your heart age

One way people can check their heart age is by using a free online tool. With the Heart Age Test, people can gauge how old their heart is without having to visit their GP.

The online assessment compares the health of your heart against your age and lifestyle.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "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."

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