Know your heart age and Know Your Numbers!
Make September the month you take control of your health. Find out your heart age with Public Health England’s Heart Age Test and get a blood pressure check in Know Your Numbers! Week
Today, Public Health England (PHE) launched the latest version of their Heart Age Test, an online calculator which estimates the age of your heart compared to your actual age. Throughout September, they want adults over 30 to take three minutes out of their day to take the test and get an idea of their health and take steps to lower their risk of heart disease and stroke.
The campaign is part of PHE’s One You campaign and has our full support. Our CEO Katherine Jenner was quoted in the Telegraph and the BBC today, she said: “We’re pleased to be teaming up with the Heart Age Test to create an easier way to put people in control of their health. Getting your blood pressure tested in your nearest pharmacy or health centre can be the first important step to prolonging your life.”
10% of men have a heart age 10 years older than their real age
The tool was originally launched in 2015 to help people understand their risk of heart disease and stroke. A new analysis of the results from the 1.2 million people who have taken the test so far shows that 10% of middle aged men have a heart a decade older than their actual age due to a poor lifestyle, putting them at risk of dying earlier than they should.
Having a high heart age increases the risk of serious health issues including dementia, heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease and diabetes. The higher the heart age, the higher the risk.
Although the rates of heart disease and stroke have been falling in recent years, it’s still the main cause of death in men and the second highest cause of death in women.
Take the Heart Age Test today
A quarter of the 7,400 deaths due to heart disease or stroke every month in England are in people under 75, and nearly all of them could be prevented – for example by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, stopping smoking and exercising.
"Addressing our risk of heart disease and stroke should not be left until we are older" said Jamie Waterall, PHE's head of cardiovascular disease.
Take the Heart Age Test today. Simply enter a few details about yourself to find out how healthy your heart is and get tailored information to help you look after it, including apps and advice on healthy living.
This year’s updated test also tells you the nearest place you can get a blood pressure check.
Know Your Numbers! with a blood pressure check
5.6 million people in England have high blood pressure and don’t know it, according to Public Health England. High blood pressure has no symptoms but puts you at risk of serious health problems.
This month we’re hosting our annual Know Your Numbers! Week, with Pressure Stations all over the country where you can get your blood pressure checked for free. Come along for a free check, and why not bring a friend or relative? Find your nearest Pressure Station for 2017.
Read more
Read the full press release from Public Health England
Read the coverage in the BBC
Read the coverage in the Telegraph
Find out how you can start to lower your blood pressure today
Read about our Know Your Numbers! campaign
Get healthy living advice from One You