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Original poster

NHS heart age quiz

97 replies

Bloodybridget · 04/09/2018 12:17

Has anyone done this online test? I did it last night, thought I would come through pretty well as I didn't seem to have any risk factors; BMI OK, good BP, etc. Was told my heart age was 69, I'm 64. I looked through and the only issue seemed to be that I don't know my cholesterol level, I don't think I've ever had it tested.

Then this morning on radio news they mentioned the quiz and said 4 out of 5 respondents got a heart age higher than chronological age - well if they're assuming raised cholesterol and adding five years for that, I'm not surprised! There weren't any questions about fitness, exercise, diet . .

I wouldn't mind knowing my cholesterol level but it seems a bit silly to make a GP/nurse appt just for that.

OP posts:
Foxyloxy1plus1 · 04/09/2018 12:23

I did it and thought exactly the same. Very vague, very basic and not at all helpful. If they add five years for BP and five for cholesterol, then it’s not surprising that many people will be over.

Quite patronising too.

mogloveseggs · 04/09/2018 12:27

Rather vague-i have healthy cholesterol and bp but dont know the numbers. I suspect the national average is higher hence the score. Plus it said losing weight and reducing blood pressure won’t reduce my heart age Confused

Floralnomad · 04/09/2018 12:30

I don’t know anyone who actually knows their cholesterol levels , I’ve had mine done last year because I was ill and had numerous tests but I know it’s normal not actual levels . I stopped doing the test half way through as it’s obviously going to add about 20 yrs and frankly that’s bollocks

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SneakyGremlins · 04/09/2018 12:30

I can't take it as I'm under 30!

Original poster
Bloodybridget · 04/09/2018 12:31

I agree, it was vague and just seemed designed to make people who are actually fine, feel unnecessarily anxious.

OP posts:
FATEdestiny · 04/09/2018 12:31

I've just done it. Gives me a heart age of 42 and I will be 42 in 3 weeks time.

Really vague though. I don't know my cholesterol or blood pressure. It also didn't ask me about exercise? Surely that's very important to heart health? (The British Heart Foundation recommend 30 min exercise 5 times a week, so they value exercise).

My fitbit has my heart health as 39 "very good for age", with the excellent category starting at 39.5. That is based on resting heart rate, recovery heart rate after exercise and frequency of exercise (I think).

ProfessionalBarren · 04/09/2018 12:31

It’s weird because changing my weight didn’t change my ‘heart age’ at all. My BMI is currently way too high, what’s the point of having that info if it doesn’t change anything?!

gutrotweins · 04/09/2018 12:39

It's unbelievable that this became a front page news story. The test is so vague - if you don't know your BP or cholesterol and have no family history of any of the illnesses, the result is based solely on your weight.

One of the conclusions is that I should do more exercise. How did they conclude that without any mention of exercise in the questionnaire??! I'm hoping that a 6 mile a day walk helps my heart in some way!

Ridiculous.

WhiteHartLane · 04/09/2018 12:45

Guessing mine is based on my weight/being a non smoker/not having anyone in my family with heart conditions. I got 37 - I will be 36 next month.

Jolonglegs · 04/09/2018 12:47

I did the test, and came out with a heart age two years younger than my actual age. Fortunately I know my cholesterol readings as I asked for them to be done some time ago. I suspect if you don't know your readings then the national average could add on a few years.
I think its a good idea to ask for your cholesterol to be tested as it can be indicative of problems in the future. I didn't find it patronising at all: we all need help with our bodies, and not everyone is aware of how to alter the state of things like blood pressure.

IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 04/09/2018 12:49

I got 30 and I am 30.

I’m also 12st overweight. Not a chance was that correct

Original poster
Bloodybridget · 04/09/2018 12:54

I wonder if they just add on a few years if you're older, then? Because I'm a non-smoker, no family history of heart disease - there was nothing in my answers to suggest my heart might be less healthy.

OP posts:
Original poster
Bloodybridget · 04/09/2018 12:55

Well Jolonglegs I might ask about it next time I have to go to my GP practice.

OP posts:
Furrycushion · 04/09/2018 12:57

Yes, my BMI is 30, my heart age is 1 year older than I am (low BP, no family history), but losing weight has no effect but saying I would reduce my cholesterol reduced it by 2 years. I don't know my cholesterol levels.

Ta1kinpeace · 04/09/2018 12:57

Its cobblers
because it assumes your Cholesterol is bad if you do not know it.

I also tested it for rich and poor postcodes and THAT is a factor
so its no better than a map really

I HAVE had treatement for blood pressure - low blood pressure Hmm

AdaColeman · 04/09/2018 12:58

I've just done the test, and got a result five years younger than my actual age.
I think it's too general and vague to be of any real use, more a fun quiz than a diagnostic tool.

I'm a bit disappointed that the NHS used "gender" instead of "sex", maybe they don't know the difference.

paap1975 · 04/09/2018 13:02

I did it this morning for DH and me. I was bang on my age, despite being at the top of the healthy range for my weight. DH was a whopping 14 years over. This is down to him being overweight and having a father wtih cardiovascular disease. It doesn't take into account that he runs marathons, though. Freaked me out a bit!!!

SmartestGiant · 04/09/2018 13:10

I know my cholesterol and take my bp regularly. I am however five stone overweight. It gave me a heart age just one year older than my actual age! Weight doesn't seem to have much impact on the result!

Fluffyears · 04/09/2018 14:28

Mine came out 1 year older than I am cos I don’t know cholesterol or no. I am obese apparently so surprised they added 1 year.

Glitteryfrog · 04/09/2018 14:32

I don't know my BP or cholesterol.
There is a history of heart problems in my family.

But I do exercise and eat fairly well and my BMI is well in range.
I'm 34, heart health 38. Shock

DolorestheNewt · 04/09/2018 14:38

My heart age was my age, 55. I'm bang in the middle of the normal BMI range, no familial history of heart problems, don't know my cholesterol levels, I do know I've got quite low systolic BP. Like some of you, I thought it was fairly pointless without assessing my total lack of exercise levels. I'm disgracefully unfit for a woman of my age and mobility.

fairgame84 · 04/09/2018 14:38

I got 45 and I'm 33. I have ectopic atrial tachycardia and high blood pressure though so my heart isn't in the best health.

LIZS · 04/09/2018 14:42

Just done it and lowering the risk factors barely made a difference to the overall figures

PhilomenaButterfly · 04/09/2018 14:45

I don't know my cholesterol or BP, but I know that my BP's naturally very low, it approached normal when I was pregnant.

I'm 51, it gave me a heart age of 55.

alardi · 04/09/2018 14:48

The form doesn't ask about regular exercise, does it? Pah. I put in good BP, postcode & cholesterol numbers & it only came up with my actual age, no great improvement.

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