Heart attack, stroke and diabetes 'can shorten life by 23 years'

Conclusion This study used two large cohort-derived data sets to estimate the number of years of life lost as the result of a history of heart attack, stroke or diabetes across different ages. The study's large size, relevance to the UK and long-term follow-up increases our confidence in its conclusions and their relevance to England and Wales. As with all studies, it has limitations, but these were relatively small and unlikely to affect the main conclusions. This study shows a history of stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart attack can significantly shorten life expectancy, especially if these conditions are developed earlier in life, at around the age of 40. But the good news is this is preventable – you can act now to minimise your risk of developing each of these conditions by maintaining a healthy weight, taking more exercise, eating healthily, stopping smoking, and not drinking too much alcohol. Find out how you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes or having a heart attack or stroke.  Links To The Headlines Unhealthy lifestyle can knock 23 years off lifespan. The Daily Telegraph, July 7 2015 Heart disease plus diabetes can knock more than a decade off your life. The Guardian, July 7 2015 Links To Science The Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration. Association of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity With Mortality. JAMA. Published online July 7 2015
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Diabetes Lifestyle/exercise Neurology Older people Source Type: news