These 5 things could cut your life short by 15 years
Factors that shorten life expectancy named (Photo: Freepik)
The modern pace of life and daily habits can subtly affect life expectancy. Five key factors have been identified that may shorten a person’s life by as much as 15 years, according to the Instagram page of cardiologist Nataliia Ivaniuk.
What affects life expectancy
According to the doctor, by the age of 50, people who do not monitor their health tend to develop cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and strokes) 11–13 years earlier, and their life expectancy is reduced by 12–15 years.
The five main silent killers include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking
If all of these factors are present:
- Women lose an average of 14.5 years of life
- Men – nearly 12 years
The cardiologist added that even in middle age, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce health risks. The most powerful benefits are seen in those who control their blood pressure and quit smoking.
“And one more important fact: even if you don’t have any of the five risk factors, that doesn’t mean you’re fully protected. The lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease remains: 13% for women and 21% for men,” Ivaniuk explained.
What to do to protect your heart
To keep your heart healthy, it’s important to follow a few simple but crucial rules:
- Healthy eating — eat less fatty, salty, and sugary foods; increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and nuts
- Regular physical activity — walking, light jogging, swimming, yoga — at least 30 minutes almost every day
- Weight control — excess weight adds extra strain on the heart
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake — very important for heart health
- Stress management — meditation, deep breathing, hobbies that help you relax
- Regular sleep — 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night
- Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels — regularly check these indicators with your doctor
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
