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Metro
9 hours ago
- Metro
Simple neck test could predict your risk of an early death
Steve Charnock Published August 19, 2025 2:29pm Updated August 19, 2025 2:29pm Link is copied Comments Chances are that - unless you're a bodybuilder - you don't tend to think much about the size of your neck. However, perhaps you should. Only the science is increasingly suggesting that neck size could well reveal quite a lot about your long-term health. A growing pile of studies has shown that a thicker neck is linked to a greater risk of developing serious problems like irregular heart rhythms, strokes and even early death. Researchers say that measuring your neck could be a surprisingly simple way to keep tabs on health risks, sometimes giving better clues than the more common checks like body mass index or waist size (Picture: Getty Images) One of the strongest links so far comes from some research work from Boston, Massachusetts, that followed more than 4,000 people who were part of the long-running Framingham Heart Study. None of them had atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder where the upper chambers beat out of sync) at the start of the study. After more than a decade of follow-ups and monitoring, those with bigger necks were far more likely to develop the condition (Picture: American Heart Association) For men, a high-risk cut-off was about 17 inches, while for women it was around 14 inches. What made these findings so striking is that the connection held up even after taking weight, height and waist size into account. In other words, it was not just about being overweight in general. A thicker neck on its own appeared to carry extra risk. The researchers believe this is because the fat stored in the upper body behaves differently from other fat. It can release substances into the bloodstream that interfere with things like blood sugar control and cholesterol balance, both of which play into heart disease (Picture: American Heart Association) The trouble with atrial fibrillation is that it often shows absolutely no warning signs until something rather medically serious happens. Some people notice fluttering in the chest, breathlessness or tiredness, but many others don't. The condition makes the heart pump inefficiently and raises the chance of clots forming. These clots can then travel to the brain and trigger a stroke. People with atrial fibrillation also have higher rates of heart failure, which helps explain why the condition is such a concern for doctors worldwide (Picture: Getty Images) Evidence from a huge study in South Korea back in 2018 drove this point home effectively. Looking at more than 15,000 patients with atrial fibrillation, the researchers found the risk of death was almost four times higher than in the general population. The danger was not the same for everyone, though. Women fared worse than men. And younger people with the condition had proportionally higher risks than older adults. The leading cause of death among these patients was cardiovascular disease, with strokes topping the list (Picture: Getty Images) If we look at some of the other research which has been carried out in the field, we see almost the exact same warning signs appearing again and again. A study conducted in Israel in 2019 used CT scans to estimate the amount of fat around the neck in just over 300 people that were being checked for suspected strokes. When they followed these patients for around three and a half years, they saw that those with the most neck fat were more than twice as likely to die compared to those with smaller measurements. And this was after taking account a number of factors such as age, sex and pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes (Picture: Getty Images) The Israeli research team noticed that patients with thicker necks were also more likely to have a list of health problems including high blood pressure, kidney disease and general heart trouble. This suggested that neck fat was not just a harmless body feature, but actually marker of broader health risks. Interestingly, even those with a relatively normal body mass index could fall into the danger group if their neck measurement was high, underlining again that the traditional scales and waistline checks do not always give the full picture (Picture: Getty Images) Fresh data from a piece of research carried out in Shanghai in 2022 added further weight to the argument. Here, researchers tracked more than 1,400 adults aged between 50 and 80 for an average of nearly eight years. They discovered that every increase in neck size raised the chances of a cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke. The effect was noticeably stronger in men than in women. Men with thicker necks were almost twice as likely to experience these problems compared to their slimmer-necked peers, even after adjusting for other risk factors (Picture: Getty Images) What appeals to experts about using neck measurement as a diagnostic tool here is its simplicity. It requires nothing more than a tape measure placed just below the Adam's apple while standing upright. There is no need for blood tests or fancy scans, and it could be done quickly, even at home. While neck size alone does not determine your health, the evidence suggests it can act as a useful warning sign. Paying attention to it could give people an extra nudge to take heart health seriously (Picture: Getty Images) Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Wales Online
GP warns of 'huge concern' with increased bite and sting risk 'without leaving the country'
GP warns of 'huge concern' with increased bite and sting risk 'without leaving the country' Dr Nisa Aslam said 'small spider-like creatures' were of 'huge concern' Problems are increasing, according to a doctor (Image: Getty Images) Brits now face a growing threat from biting and stinging insects "without leaving the country", a GP has warned. Dr Nisa Aslam said: 'You might assume that dangerous insect bites and stings are confined to far flung destinations. But you'd be wrong. The threat is very real here in the UK and the consequences can be potentially fatal. This increased threat is thanks to milder winters, warmer summers and increased rainfall, resulting in a longer season for stinging and biting insects across the UK." Dr Aslam, GP and advisor to Puressentiel, said: 'Tics in particular- small, spider-like creatures - are of huge concern, with Public Health England (PHE) having established a national TIC Surveillance Scheme (TSS) to monitor tic distribution and seasonality on a nationwide scale. Tics can lead to Lyme disease, which can cause symptoms such as tiredness, aches and loss of energy. 'Although bite insects are becoming a health hazard in the UK, people should also remain on high alert overseas to avoid potentially fatal diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and Zika virus. 'A recent warning by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a rise in chikungunya infections caused by mosquito bites. This is typically found in subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, South East Asia, India, and the Pacific and it can leave people struggling with joint aches for several years. Protecting yourself is a must as the consequences of bites and stings can be incredibly serious.' Article continues below Skip the toxins to protect yourself When it comes to prevention, Dr Aslam advises choosing natural insect repellents over synthetic alternatives: 'I recommend turning to natural ingredients rather than synthetic products when it comes to tackling insight bites. Synthetic products can be neurotoxic and irritating at high doses. At low doses they can also irritate sensitive skin and adversely impact the efficacy of sunscreens. This is the opposite of natural products, which are non-toxic. 'Java Citronella and Eucalyptus citriodora, are just two of the effective essential oils found in Puressentiel's Bite & Sting Tropical Strength Repellent Lotion. The waterproof lotion offers effective protection for up to nine hours against common mosquitoes; eight hours for tropical mosquitoes; seven hours for tiger mosquitoes and nearly seven hours against sand flies.. "While Lemon eucalyptus essential oïl, found in the Puressentiel Bite & Sting Repellent & Soothing Spray, has been studied for its effectiveness against insect bites and stings, particularly as a repellent. It's thanks to its powerful active ingredient of vegetal origin (Citriodiol)." Article continues below Soothe itchy bites with essential oils Dr Aslam said: 'Bites aren't just potentially dangerous, but they can be itchy and uncomfortable. Natural ingredients can also help to soothe bites and stings. The Puressentiel Bite and Sting Soothing Cream is made with a 99.8% natural formula and eight organic essential oils including tea tree, clove, geranium and lavender. It reduces inflammatory allergic reactions by 35%. 'Climate changes are significantly affecting insect patterns, extending their active seasons and shifting when and where they appear throughout the year. That's why it's so essential to protect you and your family with reliable, science-backed repellents.'
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Glasgow Times
Skydiving workers raised £11,699 for Glasgow hospital
The 19 employees from GRAHAM's Building North division completed two charity skydives in Auchterarder on August 10 and 17, surpassing their £10,000 target by raising a total of £11,699. This fundraising effort will help deliver two mobile sensory units for young people enduring long hospital stays. The team completed two charity skydives in Auchterarder (Image: Supplied) Read more: Kilmarnock teen Skye Stout sent message by Ally McCoist after vile online abuse The skydives were the latest in a series of fundraising activities carried out by the company, with GRAHAM donating £10,000 to the GCHC in December 2024. GRAHAM also raised £600 through various festive events, including a Christmas jumper day, a tombola and a bake sale. Staff also volunteered at the hospital's Santa's grotto, with six employees donning elf costumes to help spread Christmas cheer. Anyone wishing to donate to the firm's most recent efforts can still do so at Read more: Cleansing night shift in Glasgow gets boost with new recruits Chris MacLeod, regional director at GRAHAM, said: 'Passing our £10,000 fundraising target and reaching almost £11,700 is an excellent outcome. 'The support from colleagues, families and partners has been vital in helping us achieve this. 'Funding two mobile sensory units will provide a real benefit for children under the care of GCHC, and we hope that the donation will make a lasting impact on both the children and their families.' Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity supports thousands of families each year, providing medical equipment, family support services and enhancing hospital facilities. The charity relies on fundraising efforts and donations to continue its work.
