Did you know that heart disease is among the top killers, yet most deaths could be prevented? A significant number of people over 60 years old have one/more cardiovascular problems, including stroke, heart attack/failure, and heart disease, to mention a few. Moreover, at 75 years or older, such individuals are likely to succumb to heart problems. The statistics emphasize the need to implement practical heart disease prevention and management measures, an area Dr. Daljit Muttiana can help you navigate.
While aging causes changes to your blood vessels and heart that increase cardiovascular disease risks, it is beyond your control. Nonetheless, by understanding the key health factors and behaviors that further increase your risks, you can implement relevant prevention measures. Among the strategies that can help older adult prevent or manage heart disease includes:
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Avoid tobacco
The chemicals in tobacco affect your blood vessels and heart. Moreover, cigarette smoke lowers oxygen in the blood, forcing your heart to work harder to supply the essential element to your body and brain. The damaged heart and blood vessels plus the increased blood pressure as the heart works harder increase heart disease risks. If you are a smoker, try as hard to quit. This also goes to you if you consume smokeless tobacco. Avoiding secondhand smoke is also crucial.
Keep moving
Aging can affect your mobility and physical activities since you are not as strong and flexible as you were a few years back. Nonetheless, this does not mean physical activity is out of range, whether you are fit or battling other conditions such as arthritis. Your doctor can help you find exercise measures that can keep you active. It might not be as fun, but moderate aerobic exercises such as walking, even when using mobility-assisted gadgets, can help improve your blood flow and heart health.
Healthy diet
As you age, hormonal changes can impact your nutritional regimen. You might not feel hungry and can even forget to eat the whole day. This gets worse if you are battling cognitive problems. Getting enough nutrients is essential for your heart health. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and sticking to heart-healthy items such as whole grains, fish, lean meat, healthy fats like olive oil, and low-fat/fat-free dairy products helps. Managing the portions also helps since it impacts your energy levels and moods.
Manage other concerns
Your weight, blood glucose, sugar, and cholesterol, should not take the backseat as you focus on heart health. Taking mediation if you are on an active prescription, sticking to the recommended diet, and staying physically active helps keep such concerns in check. Routine health screening is also critical, helping you catch issues before they get out of hand.
Enough rest
Spending hours in your bed doesn’t equate to enough rest. You need quality sleep, a period that lowers your blood pressure, helping keep heart disease at bay. Consider the elements affecting your sleep, such as stress, and manage them. Don’t assume you don’t need as much rest now that you are not engaged in demanding activities. You still need quality sleep for your overall health and wellness.
Your heart health is crucial since it impacts your overall wellness. Aging increases the risks of heart problems, but with the measures highlighted above, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your heart in good condition for an extended period. Call Cardiovascular Institute, P.A. to learn more about heart health in older adults.
