Did you know that there is an average of one death every 40 seconds in America as a result of cardiovascular disease and that it kills an estimated 2,200 people a day? These statistics and others available through The American Heart Association should be enough to scare you into thinking about ways to keep your heart healthy as you age. As you get older, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of cardiovascular or heart disease and to know what you can do to lower your chances of getting it.
Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy: Recognize Symptoms
How’s your heart feeling? Here are some symptoms to pay attention to so that you know if you are having heart health issues.
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Faster heartbeat
- Weakness or dizziness
- Nausea
- Sweating
Five Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Getting enough sleep, relaxing, and eating healthy are just a few ways to keep your heart healthy as you age.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you should contact your physician. Having an unhealthy heart can put you at risk for heart attacks and strokes. If you feel good and think you’re in the clear, here are some ways to keep your heart healthy as you age. Consider these suggestions to avoid harming your heart.
1. Walk it out
It’s very important to get enough exercise. Not only does moving and getting your heart rate up keep your heart healthy, but it can also help you to manage your weight. Being overweight puts you at a higher risk of heart disease. It’s recommended to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week, just so long as the activity gets you moving and causes you to sweat a bit.
2. Get enough sleep
Believe it or not, getting enough sleep is also good for your heart health. Studies show that people who get more hours of sleep at night tend to have less calcium in their arteries, which is an early sign of heart disease. It’s recommended to get at least seven hours of sleep at night.
3. Kick bad habits
People who smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. If you’re looking for ways to keep your heart healthy as you age, consider quitting or cutting back on habits such as these. Smoking and drinking aren’t just bad for your heart, but they can lead to many other health issues. Your dental hygiene is also critical in keeping your heart healthy, as there are links between gum disease and heart disease. While you’re kicking some of those bad habits, embrace some new ones, like brushing and flossing more often.
4. Stay positive
Stress is also not good for your heart because it raises your blood pressure. Try to eliminate any stressors from your life, or find ways to relax, such as meditating, to keep your heart healthy.
5. Eat healthy
Last but not least, eating healthy is also critical in keeping your heart healthy as you age. There are foods that are good for your heart and others that you should most definitely avoid. Here are some tips for foods that are good for your heart:
- Red foods. Fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon are good for your heart, as well as red grapes and tomatoes.
- Spice up your life. Spicy foods have also proven to be good for your heart, so don’t be afraid to add a little extra cinnamon, basil, or parsley to your recipes.
Some foods you should avoid if you’re looking for ways to keep your heart healthy as you age include:
- Soda
- Margarine. It’s better to use real butter!
- Sweets
- Refined carbs (think pasta sauces, ketchup)
- Bacon
As you take steps to improve your heart health, remember to reward yourself often and stay positive. Although it’s sometimes hard to make lifestyle changes, it’s important to focus on the positive!
What are some ways to keep your heart healthy as you age that you’re pursuing? Share your tips and tricks with us!
