EARLY DEATH RISK GROWS WITH JUST THREE ‘SLIGHTLY UNHEALTHY MID-LIFE TRAITS’
Just three “slightly unhealthy traits” in mid-life increase the risk of early death by a third, research suggests.
The study found people carrying extra weight in their 40s and 50s who also had slightly raised blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar levels were also 35 per cent more likely to have a heart attack or stroke over the next three decades.
Researchers warned that middle-aged people with this “cluster of slightly unhealthy traits” – known as metabolic syndrome – typically had a heart attack or stroke two years earlier on average than healthier people the same age.
Dr Lena Lönnberg, of Västmanland County Hospital, Sweden, who was lead researcher for the study, said: “Many people in their 40s and 50s have a bit of fat around the middle and marginally elevated blood pressure, cholesterol or glucose but feel generally well, are unaware of the risks and do not seek medical advice.
“In fact, most people live with slightly raised levels for many years before having symptoms that lead them to seek healthcare.”
Unaware of the risks
She warned that because the individual “unhealthy traits” did not usually make people feel unwell, most people were unaware of the risks combined with excess weight.
An estimated one in four UK adults has metabolic syndrome, with rising obesity levels one of the main drivers.
On their own, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity can damage the blood vessels.
But even if patients only have mild versions of each condition, experts warn having the three together can be particularly dangerous.
For the latest research, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Amsterdam, Swedish experts studied about 34,000 people in their 40s and 50s who attended a cardiovascular screening programme in Sweden between 1990 and 1999.
They were measured to see if they had a waist circumference above 102cm (40in) for men or 88cm (34.6in) for women, with other checks such as blood pressure and cholesterol.
Study participants were judged to have metabolic syndrome if they had three or more of: a high waist circumference; slightly raised cholesterol; slightly high blood pressure; and/or slightly high blood sugar levels.
Adjusted figures found those with metabolic syndrome were 35 per cent more likely to suffer a non-fatal heart attack or stroke within three decades, with 32 per cent of people with metabolic syndrome experiencing these compared with 22 per cent of the control group.
Problems at a younger age
More than a quarter of those with metabolic syndrome died compared with a fifth of their healthier peers – a 30 per cent increase.
They were also more likely to experience serious health problems at a younger age. The average time to the first non-fatal heart attack or stroke was 16.8 years in the metabolic syndrome group and 19.1 years in the control group, a 2.3-year difference.
Prof Sir Nilesh Samani, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said it was important people monitored their health.
“Even if you feel fine, small increases in your blood pressure, waist measurement, cholesterol and blood sugar can have a substantial impact on your future risk of heart attacks and strokes,” he said.
“The important message is that it is possible to reduce your risk through simple measures.
“Eating well-balanced meals, regular physical activity and not smoking can all help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and control your weight.
“If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your GP can also advise on medication that can help to reduce your risk.”
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