- Weight Gain in Middle Age Increases Risk of Premature Death
- Slight Health Issues in Midlife Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
- Metabolic Syndrome Warning: Silent Risks in Middle Age
Research indicates that gaining a few excess pounds in your forties and fifties increases your risk of dying prematurely by almost a third compared to those who maintain a healthy weight during middle age.
People with marginally elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels who are overweight are up to 30% more likely to die earlier.
In the next 30 years, these ‘ slightly unhealthy characteristics’ will increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, according to experts.
Worrisomely, the majority of individuals exhibit no symptoms and report feeling “generally well,” leaving them unaware of the potential impending time bomb.
Researchers sought to determine whether asymptomatic individuals in midlife with metabolic syndrome (diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity) were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease.
Approximately 34,000 individuals in their 40s and 50s who participated in a cardiovascular screening program in Sweden between 1990 and 1999 were examined.
They measured their height, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose, waist, and hip circumferences.
In addition, participants completed a questionnaire regarding their lifestyle, cardiovascular disease and diabetes history, and socioeconomic factors such as education.
They had metabolic syndrome if they had a waist circumference of 102cm for men or 88cm for women, total cholesterol of 6.1 mmol/l or higher, 130 mmHg or higher systolic blood pressure and/or 85 mmHg or higher diastolic blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose of 5.6 mmol/l or higher.
15 percent of the sample met the criteria for metabolic syndrome, which was then compared to a healthy control cohort of 10,168 individuals.
After adjusting for factors such as physical inactivity, BMI, and living circumstances, researchers discovered that those with the disorder were significantly more likely to experience an earlier cardiac event within the next three decades.
More than one-fourth of those with metabolic syndrome – 1,317 (26%) – died, compared to one-fifth – 1,904 (19%) – of their healthier counterparts, making those with metabolic syndrome 30% more likely to die during the same period.
They were also 35% more likely to experience nonfatal heart attacks and strokes, with 1,645 (32%) compared to 2,321 (22%).
In the metabolic syndrome group, the average latency to the first nonfatal heart attack or stroke was 16.8 years, compared to 19.1 years in the control group, a difference of 2.3 years, as presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Amsterdam.
Dr. Lena Lonnberg of the Vastmanland County Hospital in Sweden stated, “Many people in their forties and fifties have a bit of abdominal fat and marginally elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, or glucose, but they feel generally healthy, are unaware of the risks, and do not seek medical advice.”
“As a general rule, even if you feel healthy, you should check your blood pressure annually, avoid smoking, monitor your waist circumference, and last but not least, engage in daily physical activity.”
Metabolic syndrome affects an estimated one in four adults in the United Kingdom, with increasing obesity rates as one of the primary causes.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity can each damage the blood vessels on their own, but experts warn that having all three conditions at once is particularly hazardous.
Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, the medical director of the British Heart Foundation, emphasized the significance of early adulthood health monitoring.
Small increases in blood pressure, waist circumference, cholesterol, and blood sugar can have a significant impact on your future risk of heart attacks and strokes, even if you feel normal.
“The key message is that it is possible to reduce your risk with straightforward measures. Eating well-balanced meals, engaging in regular physical activity, and refraining from smoking can all help to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy weight. If lifestyle modifications are insufficient, your doctor can also recommend medication to help reduce your risk.’
