Cardiovascular health is an essential priority for every senior to consider. But how can you be sure you’re doing everything you can to take care of your heart? Learn how to keep your heart healthy and strong, and you’ll be able to continue making the most of your golden years.
Learning How to Keep Your Heart Healthy and Strong
No matter how old or young you are, you can benefit greatly from learning how to keep your heart healthy and strong. Do you live a heart-healthy lifestyle? If you’re over the age of 65, it’s definitely time to make your cardiovascular health a priority. Why should cardiovascular health be a priority for seniors, and how can you make it a part of your everyday routine?
Seniors and Cardiovascular Health
Why do doctors recommend that those over the age of 65 take special care of their hearts? It’s an unfortunate fact that seniors are more likely to experience adverse events related to cardiovascular health when compared to younger populations. There are several reasons that seniors are at risk for heart issues:
- As you grow older, fat deposits and plaque can build up along your arteries and affect your heart function. This can result in hypertension and other heart health issues.
- Seniors are also at an advanced risk for a condition called arteriosclerosis, which occurs when arteries stiffen with age. This can also damage your heart’s functions.
- Seniors can have complicated health pictures, and different heart conditions can interact and exacerbate each other. For example, an arrhythmic heartbeat is a common issue for seniors that can become dangerous if heart problems like fatty deposits in the arteries are already present.
What Can I Do to Improve My Heart Health?
If the information above made you realize it’s time to get proactive about your cardiovascular health, we’re here to help. It only takes a few basic lifestyle changes to make a healthy heart an everyday priority:
- Before making any lifestyle changes, talk to your doctor about your heart health. They can help you understand your individual risk factors and make a plan for improvement.
- Your cardiovascular health is strongly affected by your diet, so try and incorporate heart-healthy foods wherever possible. Diets like the DASH plan (Dietary Approach to Stopping Hypertension) can provide additional guidance if needed.
- Stress is bad for your heart as well as the rest of your body. If stress and anxiety are issues for you, explore treatment options like therapy or meditation.
- Getting enough exercise is essential to improving your heart health. Doctors recommend that seniors get 150 minutes of exercise a week. That may sound like a lot, but you don’t need to be a gym rat to get your workouts in. Spread them out throughout the week and focus on activities you enjoy, like a daily walk with a friend. If you’re looking to try something completely new, you can seek out an online exercise class or see what’s available in your community.
- Cigarettes and alcohol are two of the most harmful things you can put into your body, especially when it comes to your heart health. It’s wise to limit your consumption of both. If you haven’t quit smoking yet, now is the time.
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Do you know what you need to do to keep your heart healthy and strong? Talk to your doctor if you need more guidance.
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