Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A study by the Global Cardiovascular Risk Consortium has revealed that individuals who reach the age of 50 without major cardiovascular risk factors not only live longer but also enjoy more years free from heart disease.

The research, which examined data from over 2 million people across 39 countries, including contributions from MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM’s Keneba Biobank, offers one of the most comprehensive insights into the relationship between lifestyle choices and longevity.

The study, recently presented at the American College of Cardiology’s premier conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, underscores the significant impact of avoiding smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and unhealthy weight by midlife.

Key Findings: A Decade or More of Added Life

According to co-author Dr. Modou Jobe, a cardiologist and epidemiologist at MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, women who remain free of these five risk factors at 50 develop cardiovascular disease 13 years later and die 14 years later than those with all five risk factors. Similarly, men without these conditions live 10 years longer disease-free and die 11 years later than their high-risk counterparts.

Beyond the benefits of lifelong healthy habits, the study also highlights the advantages of making lifestyle changes later in life. Professor Andrew Prentice, Head of the Nutrition and Planetary Health Theme at MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, emphasized that even individuals who quit smoking or reduce high blood pressure between ages 55 and 60 experience substantial gains in lifespan and heart disease-free years.

A Global Breakthrough in Cardiovascular Research

The Global Cardiovascular Risk Consortium had previously determined that these five traditional risk factors account for about half of all cardiovascular diseases worldwide. This latest study builds on that knowledge by demonstrating that actively managing or eliminating these risks—even later in life—significantly improves longevity and health outcomes.

By analyzing a large, diverse, and standardized dataset, this study provides globally relevant insights, unlike previous localized research. It reaffirms that proactive health choices—whether maintained from youth or adopted in midlife—are powerful tools for increasing both lifespan and quality of life.

The study, titled “Global Effect of Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Lifetime Estimates“, was published on March 30, 2025, in the New England Journal of Medicine.