Modifiable risk factors at midlife could determine life span

The absence of five cardiovascular risk factors at the age of 50 years could increase the life expectancy by more than one decade.

In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, investigators assessed the data of over 2 million individuals from 39 countries to determine the effects of arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, abnormal body mass index, diabetes and smoking status on long-term outcomes.

Compared with men and women who had all five risk factors, men and women with none of the risk factors had a respective 21% vs. 38% and 13% vs. 24% lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease prior to 90 years of age. Further, the participants who modified their hypertension and smoking status between 55 and 60 years experienced the greatest changes in their cardiovascular disease and mortality risks, respectively.

The findings revealed that approaches designed to treat and prevent these five modifiable risk factors could extend the life expectancy across the world.

Read more: The New England Journal of Medicine

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