The Relationship Between Heart Health And Aging
The heart is an important part of the human body. However, as people age, their hearts begin to experience a variety of changes. This can increase the risk of heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death among older adults. Apart from that, heart failure is a common condition that can cause hospital stays.
Aging also increases the amount of plaque in arteries, causing narrowing and thickening. Fatty deposits also narrow the blood vessels. These plaques block the blood from getting to the heart.
While age is not the only factor that affects your heart, it is the most common one. So, if you want to understand the relationship between aging and heart health, continue reading.
What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is an umbrella term for a number of different conditions that affect the heart and its arteries. Although there is no way to prevent or cure it, there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
The best way to keep your heart healthy is to make a commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise. This will help you keep your blood pressure under control and prevent a heart attack.
You can also avoid heart problems by keeping your cholesterol levels low. If you smoke, you can try quitting. Also, if you have a family history of heart disease, you should talk to your doctor about how to reduce your risk.
If you are suffering from chest pain or other symptoms of heart disease, you should see a doctor. He or she will check your pulse and blood pressure and conduct various tests for diagnosis.
Early Warning Signs of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. One American dies of heart disease every 34 seconds. Luckily, you can help lower your risk. Identifying the symptoms of heart disease is the first step to taking care of your heart.
During a routine physical, your doctor will want to look for common heart disease signs. These signs may vary from person to person and can be difficult to pinpoint. Here are some early warning signs of heart disease.
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Swelling in your legs
• Fatigue
• Dizziness and fainting unexpectedly
How Does The Heart Change With Age?
Age is a major risk factor for heart disease. It is the leading cause of mortality in older adults. As a result, people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
There are numerous changes that occur naturally in the heart and blood vessels as people age. You can easily prevent and reverse these changes with proper care and treatment.
The aging process leads to changes in the elasticity of major blood vessels. This decrease in elasticity can cause dizziness and breathlessness when standing.
The aorta, the blood vessel that carries blood out of the heart, gets thicker and becomes stiffer. This increases blood pressure. It also makes the heart work harder.
Another change is a reduction in red blood cell production. With less oxygen, the heart will weaken and eventually die. The heart’s electrical system is also affected by aging. Arrhythmias, such as a rapid heartbeat or irregular heartbeat, occur more often in older people.
What Can You Do to Prevent Age-Related Heart Disease?
There are many ways to keep heart disease at bay, even with aging. Here are some tips you can follow for a healthy heart.
Try To Be More Physically Active
If you are interested in preventing heart disease or just want to keep your heart healthy, try to be more physically active. A lot of people don’t know this, but physical activity is linked with a host of health benefits, from reducing blood pressure to helping you sleep better. The American Heart Association recommends that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week.
Follow A Healthy Diet
If you want to prevent heart disease, it’s important to follow a healthy diet. Diets can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight. The key to a healthy diet is to avoid foods that increase your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, like fatty meats, alcohol, and sugary snacks. It’s also important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can be a major cause of heart disease. Not only can it lead to a heart attack, but it also increases your risk of many other diseases. The chemicals in cigarettes can damage the heart. They can also cause artery walls to thicken and build up plaque, which makes it harder for the heart to pump. You can reduce your risk by quitting.
Keep A Healthy Weight
Keeping a healthy weight is a way to lower your risk of heart disease. It can also help you avoid obesity. Keeping a healthy weight can also reduce your risk of developing diabetes. You can lose weight by following a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Keep Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Under Control
One of the most important steps to take in order to prevent heart disease is to keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control. This can be done through a number of methods, including medications and lifestyle changes.
Is Cardi.Health App Worth It for Older Adults?
Cardi.Health is a health-tracking app designed to help people maintain a healthy heart. The app offers a variety of features to keep track of your cholesterol and heart health.
If you are old and at high risk of heart disease, Cardi.Health can come in handy. This app monitors your heart health in real time and also provides a personalized diet plan.
With its easy-to-use interface and variety of helpful features, the Cardi.Health app is a great way to manage your heart health. However, you should consult your physician before starting any new program.
Conclusion
The American Heart Association recommends screening for high blood pressure and cholesterol at least once during their lifetime. These tests become extremely necessary as you age. People above 65 years of age are more susceptible to heart disease as the heart becomes weak with age.
Detecting heart disease early is important, as treatment is much more effective if it is caught in the early stages. If you experience any symptoms, it is best to get tested and follow diet and lifestyle changes for a healthy heart.
