The longer you spend in education, the less likely you are to be overweight

People who attend university are less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke because they are healthier, a study suggests.

Scientists found for every 3.6 additional years spent in education, people had a BMI that was one mark lower.

They also found the same amount of time - similar to that needed to gain a university degree - also lowered blood pressure.

Being overweight can lead to high blood pressure or diabetes, both of which are known to raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.  

Those who reach higher education are less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke because they are healthier, a study led by University of Bristol has suggested

Those who reach higher education are less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke because they are healthier, a study led by University of Bristol has suggested 

Scientists already knew that the risk of cardiovascular disease is lower for people who spend more time in education.

The new study was led by Imperial College London, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford.

The academics wanted to discover exactly why spending more time in education - an extra 3.6 years - can lower the risk of heart disease.

They found better weight, smoking habits and blood pressure account for almost half the 'protection' for those in higher education.

WHAT IS CVD AND THE KNOWN RISK FACTORS? 

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, which includes coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Approximately 26 per cent of all deaths in the UK are due to CVD.

Around 42,000 people die prematurely - under the age of 75 - each year as a result of the disease. 

It is estimated seven million people in the UK are living with CVD, which costs the NHS £6.8 billion a year. 

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the UK.  

However, it is believed 80 per cent of CHD and stroke could be prevented by changes to lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity and smoking. 

Risk factors 

 If your blood pressure is too high, sometimes caused by high blood sugar levels in diabetes, alcohol and tobacco use and bad diet, it can damage your blood vessels. The harmful substances in tobacco can damage and narrow your blood vessels.   Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. If you have high cholesterol, it can cause your blood vessels to narrow and increase your risk of developing a blood clot. Being overweight or obese

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