A study conducted in Sweden found that being overweight in the forties and fifties can increase the risk of premature death by 30%.
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The researchers wanted to test whether people who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity (known as metabolic syndrome) in middle age are at a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
The researchers examined 34,000 people in their forties and fifties who participated in a cardiovascular screening program in Sweden between 1990 and 1999. Measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose, waist and hip circumference were taken from the participants.
The participants also filled out a questionnaire on lifestyle habits and socioeconomic status and were asked if they had a previous history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Criteria have been established that a person with metabolic syndrome has three or more of the following: waist circumference of 102 cm for men or 88 cm for women, total cholesterol of 6.1 or higher, blood pressure of 130/85 or fasting glucose level of 5.6 or higher.
The study revealed that participants diagnosed with metabolic syndrome had a 35% higher risk of heart attacks and strokes – 32% compared to 22% in the control group. The average time to the occurrence of the first heart attack or stroke was 16.8 years in the metabolic syndrome group, while it increased to 19.1 years in the control group – a difference of 2.3 years.
Dr. Lena Lunberg from Vestmanland District Hospital in Sweden said, “Many people in their forties and fifties have a little fat around the waist and a slight increase in blood pressure, cholesterol or glucose, but they feel healthy in general, are unaware of the risks and therefore do not seek medical advice. As a general rule, even if a person feels healthy, he should have his blood pressure checked every year, avoid smoking, monitor his waist circumference and exercise daily.”
Prof. Nilesh Samani, the medical director of the British Heart Foundation, said that “observance of tests and follow-up at an early stage in adult life, even if a person feels well, increases the chance of surviving health risks, because slight increases in blood pressure, waist circumference, cholesterol and blood sugar can significantly affect the risk of heart attacks and strokes in the future.”
“The important message is that the risk can be reduced through simple measures. Eating balanced meals, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking can help maintain weight and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor can advise you on medications that can help reduce the risk,” added the professor.