If you are aged 65 or older, you are at a higher risk for heart attacks or strokes. As your body ages, there will be changes in your heart and blood vessels. There also may be changes in the buildup of fatty deposits in your artery walls. You also may get stiffness or hardening of the arteries which can cause high blood pressure. However, do not assume that these issues will be a death sentence. Talk with your doctor and discuss how the following steps can prevent heart disease.
- Try to be more physically active. Find activities you enjoy and set a goal of 150 minutes of exercise per week.
- If you smoke, quit. It is the leading cause of preventable deaths.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet- low in saturated fats and added sugars and salt.
- Keep a healthy weight- limiting portion sizes and being physically active can help.
- Keep diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol under control.
- Manage stress with meditation, mindfulness, physical activity, etc.
Your doctor will be able to help you control some of these changes in your heart. There are many medications or combinations of medications that can help. Your physician may also have suggestions on how to comply with the suggestions given above.