78% of adults face premature death in England: Study

A new study carried out by a UK government health agency has indicated that nearly four out of five adults in England face early death because of heart damage from unhealthy lifestyles.

Public Health England said in a statement on Tuesday that its Heart Age Test found that 78 percent of Britons have hearts that are older than they should be.

The PHE said some 14 percent of those who took the test had hearts that were 10 years older than their actual age.

It said obesity, high blood pressure and lack of exercise were among main reasons for increased rate of deaths as a result of cardiovascular disease.

Jamie Waterall, national lead for cardiovascular disease at PHE, said many who faced premature deaths were in fact unaware of the poor health of their hearts.

“Millions are at risk of cardiovascular disease but don't know it, putting themselves at real risk of suffering ill health or dying younger,” Waterall said, adding, “Knowing your heart age is a simple way of finding out whether you're at risk of a heart attack or stroke. By making important lifestyle changes you can reduce your risk before it's too late.”

The PHE estimates that some 50 deaths a day could have been prevented in England if the victim had looked after his or her heart health better.

It estimates that 84,100 people die from cardiovascular diseases each year in England and a quarter of these deaths occur among people under 75.

The agency has offered its Heart Age Test on a free basis as part of a nationwide campaign to reduce the number of deaths.

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