London- A new study conducted over 1.2 million volunteers including men and women, as part of a public health campaign in England, found that one out of ten men in the country have their heart older than they really are.
The study made reported that having an “old” heart significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes as well as other serious health issues such as chronic kidney disease and diabetes, according to BBC.
The study was conducted in cooperation among several charity and official organizations concerned in the heart and public health in England.
Each month an estimated 7,400 people in England die from heart disease or stroke.
Associate Professor Jamie Waterall, lead for cardiovascular disease prevention at Public Health England (PHE), said: “We should all aim for our heart age to be the same as our real age.”
Talking to the Press Association, he added: “Addressing our risk of heart disease and stroke should not be left until we are older,” noting that Heart Age Test used in the study provides an immediate idea of heart attack and stroke risk without having to see a doctor.
The PHE test is an online assessment available to anyone over the age of 30 based on health information such as cholesterol level and blood pressure, medical history, and lifestyle habits.
It calculates whether your heart is as healthy as would be expected for a person of your age.
Dr. Mike Knapton, from 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.”