Slowing Cardiovascular Changes with Age
About 1 min read
As you reach your senior years, your may see some changes in your cardiovascular system.
For example, your heart might become bigger and your heart rate is slightly slower. Your blood vessels and arteries also become stiffer, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood through them. This can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.
You can slow these cardiovascular changes through diet and exercise, as well has avoiding negative habits.
Questions you may have include:
- What are some factors in keeping a healthy heart?
- How do diet and exercise help?
- What negative habits should you avoid?
This lesson will answer those questions. Health Disclaimer
Keeping a healthy heart
Ways too promote heart health include:
- Include physical activity in your daily routine.
- Eat a healthy diet
- Don’t smoke
- Manage stress
Diet and exercise
Try walking, swimming or other activities you enjoy. Regular moderate physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure and lessen the extent of arterial stiffening.
Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat and sodium. A healthy diet can help you keep your heart and arteries healthy.
Avoid negative habits
Smoking contributes to the hardening of your arteries and increases your blood pressure and heart rate. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.
Stress can take a toll on your heart. Take steps to reduce stress or learn to deal with stress in healthy ways.
Summary
You can slow cardiovascular changes that occur as you age, such as stiff blood vessels and high blood pressure through diet and exercise, as well has avoiding negative habits.
A healthy heart is important
Resources and references
Websites
Aging: What to expect – Mayo Clinic