Cardiovascular disease accounts for 25% of US deaths, according to the American Heart Association. Age increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, although it does not guarantee it.
Cardiovascular health may be maintained at any age using various strategies. Maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial for leading a healthy and active life.
Fortunately, there are several strategies that can be adopted to achieve this goal, regardless of age. One of the most effective ways to maintain cardiovascular health is through regular exercise. Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming are all great options.
Another important strategy is to maintain a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. It is also important to limit the intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats.
In addition to exercise and diet, managing stress levels is also crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on heart health, so it is important to find ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness, yoga, or meditation.
Finally, it is important to get regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor cardiovascular health and identify any potential issues early on. This can include regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, as well as other tests as recommended by a healthcare provider. By adopting these strategies, individuals can maintain cardiovascular health at any age and enjoy a healthy and active life.
Here are some cardiovascular health tips:
1. Regular exercise is advised.
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health at all ages. Medical specialists recommend 30 minutes of exercise most days.
Regular cardiovascular, muscle-strengthening, balance-enhancing, and flexibility-improving exercise is suggested for healthy older persons. To avoid injury and muscular pain, gradually increase physical activity.
Activities have several benefits. Weighted aquatic exercise strengthens and aerobicizes. Yoga balances, stretches, and strengthens. Walking regularly reduces blood glucose, promotes weight reduction, preserves bone density and cognitive function, and improves muscle endurance and physical resistance. Maintain treatment adherence.
Warm-up and cool-down should take 10 minutes each.
Gradually increase exercise intensity.
Wear supportive shoes.
Discomfort, lightheadedness, or dyspnea require urgent stoppage.
Water is advised before, during, and after exercise.
BAYADA Home Health Care Area Director for Clinical Practice Michele Berman, PT, recommends consulting with your doctor to establish the best physical exercise for your health. To track your fitness goals, keep an activity log.
2. Eat heart-healthy food.
Cardiovascular disease prevention depends on diet. Be sure:
Choose orange, yellow, and green nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables.
Choose oats, whole-wheat bread, and brown rice.
Fat-free or low-fat dairy is advised. Instead, use vitamin D- and calcium-fortified soy or rice milk.
Protein should come from fish, lean meats, poultry, beans, nuts, and seeds.
Avoid sugary drinks and pastries.
Avoid butter, shortening, and other fats.
Avoid white bread, rice, and pasta.
A doctor or nutritionist can help you create a healthy diet. Berman also recommends learning to read nutrition labels.
3. Watch your numbers.
Schedule regular checks with your primary care physician. Dr. Mandeep advises patients to bring all their prescriptions, including vitamins, supplements, and other relevant drugs, or a list to every medical appointment. Ask about uncertainty and discomfort.
Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes screening and monitoring should be discussed with your doctor. Age, health, medical history, and risk factors affect recommendations.
Hypertension is generally asymptomatic, making blood pressure monitoring essential for screening. Lifestyle changes and medication can control hypertension.
Periodic fasting lipoprotein profiles are advised. This blood test measures total, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
Insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and type 2 diabetes rise with high blood glucose. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus can cause cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular accidents.
4. Monitor your weight.
Obesity can lead to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and bone issues. Maintaining musculoskeletal integrity and vitality via food and exercise can help you age well.
Due to sarcopenia and a lower basal metabolic rate, older people need less calories than younger people. This signifies a lower calorie intake, which reduces energy production nutrients. To satisfy nutritional needs, eat nutrient-dense meals.
Weight fluctuations in congestive heart failure patients may signal dangerous fluid buildup. Berman advises measuring your weight every morning before eating or drinking, wearing the same clothes, and using the same scale. If someone gains three or five pounds in a day or week, they should consult a doctor.
5. Check sleep apnea.
Snoring might annoy your sleeping mate but is generally harmless to your health. This syndrome, which occurs with sleep apnea, may harm your heart.
Sleep apnea causes breathing interruptions during sleep. These episodes might vary in severity. Occasionally, a gasp for breath will rouse the person up. Thus, some may not know their situation.
Sleep apnea can cause hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke, and cardiac decompensation. The most common variety is obstructive sleep apnea, when fat tissue on the upper thorax and neck area blocks airflow.
Polysomnography can diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, which can be treated with CPAP therapy, which requires a mask. Weight loss may help.
6. Avoid alcohol.
Hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypercholesterolemia can worsen with excessive alcohol intake.
7. Stop smoking.
Smokers should quit. Instead then waiting, do the assignment today. Discuss smoking cessation with your doctor.