Gaining middle age can increase the risk of premature death by almost a third, research shows

Research shows that if you put on a few extra pounds between the ages of 40 and 50, your chance of dying prematurely increases by almost a third, compared to those who stay slim into middle age.

People with marginally elevated blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugars who are slightly overweight are up to 30 percent more likely to die younger.

Experts say these “slightly unhealthy traits” will put people at greater risk of heart attack or stroke in the next 30 years.

Worryingly, most people show no symptoms and are “generally feeling well,” unaware of the potential ticking time bomb.

Researchers wanted to test whether asymptomatic people with diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity – known as the metabolic syndrome – were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease in middle age.

They studied about 34,000 people between the ages of 40 and 50 who underwent a cardiovascular screening program in Sweden between 1990 and 1999.

Measurements were taken of their height, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose, and waist and hip circumference.

Participants also completed a questionnaire about lifestyle habits, whether they had a history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and about socioeconomic factors such as education.

They were judged to have the metabolic syndrome if they had three or more of the following: a waist circumference of 102 cm for men or 88 cm for women, a total cholesterol of 6.1 mmol/L or higher, a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or higher and/or 85 cm mmHg or higher diastolic blood pressure and a fasting plasma glucose of 5.6 mmol/L or higher.

About 5,084 (15 percent) met criteria for metabolic syndrome and were then compared to a healthy control group of 10,168 people.

Of those enrolled in the study, 5,084 (15 percent) met criteria for metabolic syndrome and were then compared to a healthy control group of 10,168 people (Stock Image)

After adjusting for factors such as physical inactivity, BMI and their living situation, researchers found that within three decades, people with the condition were much more likely to develop heart disease sooner.

Just over a quarter of people with metabolic syndrome – 1,317 (26%) – died, compared to a fifth – 1,904 (19%) of their healthier peers – making them 30 percent more likely to die in that time .

They were also 35 percent more likely to have non-fatal heart attacks and strokes: 1,645 (32%) compared to 2,321 (22%) in the control group.

The mean time to first nonfatal heart attack or stroke was 16.8 years in the metabolic syndrome group and 19.1 years in the control group — a difference of 2.3 years, according to findings presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Amsterdam.

Dr. Lena Lönnberg from Västmanland County Hospital, Sweden, said: ‘Many people in their 40s and 50s have a little fat around the middle and marginally elevated blood pressure, cholesterol or glucose, but generally feel well, are unaware of the risks and do not seek medical advice.

“As a general rule of thumb, even if you feel well, check your blood pressure annually, avoid smoking, monitor your waist circumference, and last but certainly not least, be physically active every day.”

After adjusting for factors such as physical inactivity, BMI and lifestyle, researchers found that people with metabolic syndrome had a much higher chance of developing heart disease within three decades (Stock Image)

It is estimated that one in four adults in the UK has metabolic syndrome, with rising obesity being one of the leading causes.

As for their own diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity can damage blood vessels, with experts warning that having three conditions at once can be particularly dangerous.

Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, medical director of the British Heart Foundation, said this reinforces the importance of health monitoring early in adult life.

“Even if you feel fine, small increases in your blood pressure, waist circumference, cholesterol and blood sugar can have a significant impact on your future risk of heart attacks and strokes.”

‘The important message is that it is possible to reduce your risk with simple measures. Eating well-balanced meals, getting regular exercise, and not smoking can all help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and keep your control weight down. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your GP can also advise you on medications that can help reduce your risk.’