Heart health is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for seniors. Like all muscles, the heart becomes weaker and less efficient as we age. Our blood vessels lose elasticity and may accumulate fatty deposits that weaken them. These changes force the heart to work harder to pump the same amount of blood, which can be dangerous for anyone, especially the elderly.
Show how much you care by sharing these five simple tips with your aging loved ones. Equally as important, follow them yourself. No matter what your age, taking steps to help your heart is, well, a “no-brainer!”
1. Stop smoking. NOW.
Quitting smoking can be very difficult, particularly for seniors who have smoked for most of their lives; however, the benefits are almost instantaneous and well worth it. A mere 24 hours after stopping, your chance for a heart attack drops. Quit for a year, and you’ll cut your risk for heart disease by 50%. If quitting cold turkey is proving too difficult, try gradually reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke a day until quitting completely is within your reach.
2. Take prescribed medications.
There’s a reason you’ve been prescribed medications, and you should never stop taking them without consulting your doctor. Just because you don’t notice an immediate difference doesn’t mean they weren’t doing anything. Many heart medications are preventive -- by the time you notice health issues, it may be too late.
3. Exercise.
Even light exercise makes a big impact on heart health. Studies show a brisk 30-minute walk every day improves cardiovascular fitness. If you’re able to exercise enough to lose weight, you can reduce your risk of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol -- all conditions that can lead to cardiovascular disease.
4. Manage blood sugar.
High blood sugar can result in diabetes, a major threat to your heart. It can promote severe blockages in your blood vessels, which stress your heart and could eventually cause a heart attack or stroke. Manage your diet to ensure you aren’t putting your blood sugar at risk, and ask your doctor about medication that may help.
5. Manage blood pressure.
High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and can lead to heart disease. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure is truly dangerous due to the lack of warning signs. Without realizing it, you can live with elevated blood pressure for years, causing serious, irreversible damage to your body. Get your blood pressure checked regularly, and check it yourself with the many automated monitors available today. To control it, limit your sodium intake, exercise regularly and watch your weight.
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