PUBLIC Health England is calling for adults in Dorset to find out their true 'heart age' with a new, free, online test.

The Heart Age Test will provide an immediate estimation of their ‘heart age’.

If someone’s heart age is higher than their actual age, they are at an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), with stroke and heart attack being the most common examples, is the leading cause of death for men and the second leading cause of death for women.

In the South West, there are around 6,085 deaths from heart disease and 3,991 deaths from stroke each year. It is estimated that around a quarter of these deaths are in people under the age of 75 and 80 per cent of those are preventable if people made lifestyle and behaviour changes to improve their heart health.

The Heart Age Test has been completed more than 1.9 million times across England. Completed tests in the South West, show that 77 per cent of people have a heart age higher than their actual age. Worryingly, 34 per cent have a heart age over five years and 15 per cent at least 10 years over their actual age.

Debbie Stark, deputy centre director for Public Health England South West said: “It is worrying that over 10,000 people in the South West die of a heart attack or stroke each year.

“We know that around 80 percent of heart attacks and strokes in people under 75 could be prevented.

“If you are aware that you might be at risk, this can help you decide what lifestyle and behaviour you need to change to reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

“Reducing or quitting smoking, exercising more and drinking less alcohol can all have a significant impact on your risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

“I would urge South West residents to find out their heart age now by taking the quick and easy test. It only takes a few minutes and can give you a good indicator of whether you need to make any changes.”

Public Health England’s Heart Age campaign will run until Sunday, September 30.

Adults are encouraged to search ‘heart age’ to take the free online test.