You Can Still Protect Your Heart Health When You’re Older: Try These Strategies

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, accounting for about one in every five deaths. Those numbers are astounding, considering there are simple prevention measures that can keep your heart healthy.

At the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute, board-certified cardiologist Hesham Fakhri, MD, knows the importance of heart health. He's an experienced interventional cardiologist providing stroke prevention, invasive cardiology, and high blood pressure treatment to help you stay healthy throughout the years.

Aging and your heart

The heart is a powerful muscle responsible for pumping oxygenated blood throughout your body. As you age, though, that muscle goes through changes that increase your risk of heart-related conditions.

Genetics and other factors increase the risk of unhealthy heart changes, but some variations are inevitable. The heart and vascular system change with age through:

• Stiffening heart valves
• Enlargement of the heart
• Thickening of the walls
• Stiffening of blood vessels
• Decreased pumping ability
• Increased blood pressure
• Slower heart rate
• Reduced exercise capacity

As you age, these changes put you at risk for heart disease, arrhythmias, and other conditions that affect your health. Although you can't change genetics and preexisting conditions, you can take steps to ensure your heart health as you age.

Tips to keep your heart healthy

Keeping your heart healthy should be one of your top priorities. A healthy heart allows you to enjoy life and live longer. Even with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, you can take steps to prevent heart disease.

We offer various strategies that are good for your heart and overall health, among them:

Manage weight

Weight management is critical for good heart health. Excess weight strains the heart, which could result in a heart attack. Aim to manage your weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Eat a heart-healthy diet

Your diet affects your heart as you age. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Limit foods that are high in sodium or contain excess sugar or saturated and trans fats.

Get regular exercise

Regular exercise is an effective way to ensure your heart stays healthy. The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly, including walking, jogging, and swimming.

Manage chronic health conditions

Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease. Managing these conditions and taking the appropriate medications helps you maintain heart health, especially as you age.

Get plenty of sleep

Sleep is essential in every stage of life, but it gets even more important with age. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep per night, but eight or nine hours is better. Sleep allows your body and heart to rest and recharge.

Make positive lifestyle changes

Smoking, excessive alcohol drinking, and extreme stress all contribute to heart problems. Quit smoking and limit alcoholic beverages, especially if you're at risk for heart problems.

Managing stress is also vital for a healthy heart. Try meditation, yoga, and mindfulness techniques to manage stress and maintain your mental and physical well-being.

Regular screenings help keep you healthy

Whether you're at risk for heart disease or not, regular health screenings are essential in preventing heart disease and other dangerous conditions. See your primary care physician at least once a year to evaluate the need for a specialist.

If you're living with chronic health issues or are at high risk for heart disease, we provide regular screenings, lifestyle tips, and treatments to evaluate your heart. Dr. Fakhri may recommend an echocardiogram to assess your cardiac rhythm or a venous ultrasound to check for other issues.

Regular screenings are especially important if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Both of these conditions can lead to serious heart problems without the proper treatment.

Call us at the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute today to schedule an appointment to discuss your heart health or request a consultation here. We have offices in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Sun City Center, Florida.