The NHS has launched a simple online tool that reveals whether your heart is ageing faster than you are. It's a quick way to check if you're at higher risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
The health service recently posted on X about the calculator, warning that if your heart age exceeds your actual years, you could face increased danger of cardiovascular problems.
It works by asking various health-related questions, then comparing your real age against your calculated heart age. You'll also receive tips on improving your cardiovascular health through better lifestyle choices.
Anyone aged between 30 and 95 who doesn't have existing heart or blood vessel conditions can use this calculator if they live in the UK. You'll need to provide basic details like your weight and height.
Cardiovascular disease is becoming an increasingly serious problem across England
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The tool also asks for your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, though you can still get results without these - they'll just be less precise.
It's worth noting that having these medical figures to hand makes the assessment more accurate.
Once you've answered all the questions, the calculator compares your responses against health data to determine whether your heart is functioning like that of someone older or younger than your actual age.
It turns out cardiovascular disease is becoming an increasingly serious problem across England. The British Heart Foundation found that early deaths from heart conditions hit their worst level in 14 years during 2022.
More than 39,000 people died prematurely from cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, strokes and coronary heart disease that year. That's roughly 750 deaths every week - the highest annual total since 2008.
The charity warns this spike is partly down to growing risk factors among the population. They point out that millions are living with undetected issues like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and diabetes.
Nearly two-thirds of English adults are also carrying excess weight, which they say is creating major problems for the future.
The NHS lists several factors that increase your chances of heart problems, including smoking, eating too many fatty foods, and having diabetes.
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Cardiovascular disease is becoming an increasingly serious problem across England
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High cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and carrying extra weight all raise your risk too.
People with irregular, rapid heartbeats - a condition called atrial fibrillation - also face greater danger of cardiovascular issues.
If you're curious about your heart age, you can find the calculator on the NHS website. It's a straightforward way to check whether you need to make some healthy changes.
Anyone worried about their heart health or stroke risk should book an appointment with their GP for proper medical advice.
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