The human heart starts beating while the baby is still in the womb and continues to do so every second of every day until we die. That is between 35 to 42 million beats each year. Multiply this by 65 years and the total is staggering. 2.5 billion is the approximate number of beats your heart has provided you with by the time you become a senior citizen. Your heart has done this to keep you going for so long and when you become a senior citizen it's your duty to take special care of it so that it continues to function as it should for many more years. How you have lived your life - the diet you have followed, the amount of regular exercise you have had, the illnesses you have suffered, the injuries you have sustained, whether you have been a smoker and other factors will determine how healthy your heart is at 65 and beyond. That said, whatever your lifestyle has been, it is never too late to take steps to care for your heart so that you avoid heart disease and its consequences.
What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a term that covers a range of medical conditions that affect the structures of the heart and their ability to function. In many cases, a person may be developing some form of heart disease and may not be aware of it. While some heart conditions manifest symptoms early on, others do not reveal themselves until they are in an advanced stage, when treatment is possibly long and difficult. The first step to good heart health is to have regular health check-ups throughout adult life. Since other health issues can impact heart health, having the appropriate check-ups done is important.
7 Steps to a Healthy Heart
▪ Regular aerobic exercise is a good way to give your heart the strength it needs to function at its best. The exercise does not require any special equipment or expensive gym memberships. Regular brisk walking is one of the best aerobic exercises for heart health. However, if you are suffering from any health issues or have had any cardiac problems in the past, check with your cardiologist before beginning any new form of exercise.
▪ Excess body weight causes the heart to work harder to pump blood through it. This increased strain raises the possibility of developing cardiac problems. Talk to your doctor about what your weight should be and start exercising to gradually bring it to that level. Rapid or extreme weight loss measures must be avoided as they are dangerous.
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▪ Stop tobacco use. While smoking and chewing tobacco are known causes of lung and mouth cancers, the habit also damages your blood vessels which places an added strain on your heart and cardiac health. If you have difficulty giving up tobacco use, there are de-addiction centers you can contact for support and help. Your doctor will also be able to give you advice on how to forsake the habit.
▪ Limit alcohol consumption. In the past, it was thought that limited alcohol consumption was good for the heart. This is now being called into question and an increasing number of doctors, across the globe, are advising patients to stop alcohol consumption altogether. Alcohol may weaken the heart muscles and could interact negatively with any medications you may be taking. If you do not wish to give up alcohol completely, talk to your doctor about safe levels of consumption.
▪ The old saying “You are what you eat.” holds very true today. Our bodies need various nutrients, minerals and vitamins to stay healthy. A heart-healthy diet includes vegetables, low-fat milk products, fruits, whole grains and proteins. Keep your salt consumption low and avoid highly salted food. Excessive use of oil in food preparation should also be avoided. The exact nature and quantity of these food categories that are best for you will depend on your physical condition and any ailments you may have. Cholesterol and saturated fats are major contributors to the development of heart diseases. There is a myth that healthy food is boring food. However, the fact is that the food that supports good health can also be very flavorful and appealing. There is a huge amount of material available on how to make healthy and tasty food.
Also Read: 10 Common Myths About Cardiovascular Disease
▪ Avoid stress. Modern lifestyles, even for retired senior citizens, can still be full of stress which places more strain on the heart. Often, this stress is unrecognized or undiagnosed. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and consult a doctor if it is high. Practicing yoga or meditation techniques is a good way to bring down stress levels.
▪ Being a senior citizen does not mean that you need to give up on the activities that give you happiness. It only means that you have to do certain things in moderation. Moderation does not mean sacrifice – it means living with balance. The security and comfort that comes from knowing that your cardiac health is good adds another dimension to the quality of your life.
Modern lifestyles are stressful and even with what appears to be the healthiest way of life, there is still a risk of a heart condition being present. For people of any age, and especially for the elderly, regular cardiac health check-ups and access to advanced cardiac treatment and care facilities are most important. Because the health of the rest of the body affects heart health, the cardiology department of the New Medical Center in Pondicherry is the right place to go to for heart treatment and care. This is where the best cardiologists and cardiac medical diagnosis and treatment facilities with the most modern technologies will be available. Being a fully equipped multispecialty hospital, world-class treatment for other health conditions that may affect heart health will also be available, making the process of keeping your heart healthy much simpler and easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can seniors improve their heart health?
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, quitting tobacco, managing stress, and limiting alcohol consumption are key steps to maintaining heart health.
2. What are the early signs of heart disease?
Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and leg swelling. Regular check-ups can help detect issues early.
3. Is exercise safe for seniors with heart conditions?
Yes, but it’s important to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program, especially for those with existing cardiac issues.
4. What foods are best for heart health in seniors?
A heart-healthy diet includes fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, while avoiding excessive salt, sugar, and fats.
5. Where can seniors find expert cardiac care in Pondicherry?
The New Medical Center in Pondicherry provides advanced cardiac care, experienced cardiologists, and comprehensive treatment for related health condition.