Conquering Heart Disease: 6 Heart Healthy Tips for Seniors
Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on November 04, 2016
Conquering Heart Disease: 6 Heart Healthy Tips for Seniors
As we age, so too do the organs in our body. It may become harder for the heart to pump blood or for the lungs to breathe. Heart disease is a major cause of death among Americans, and particularly for the senior population. And while an apple a day won’t keep the doctor away, these six tips work together to ease the strain on the heart and improve its overall health.
1. Manage Your Blood Pressure
Knowledge is power. Know your blood pressure—regularly monitor it so you know if your heart is on task or if it’s beginning to struggle. Over time, high blood pressure can damage arteries and weaken the cardiovascular system, leading to medical emergencies. Whether you monitor at home or stop in at your doctor’s office, regularly check your blood pressure. Diet and exercise can lower high blood pressure, as can medication.
2. Control Cholesterol Numbers
Our bodies contain good and bad cholesterol. However accumulating bad cholesterol can directly increase an individual’s risk of heart disease and heart attack. A person may look healthy but have high LDL, or bad cholesterol numbers. The only way to know your cholesterol numbers is through a blood test. Regularly test your cholesterol at your doctor’s and work with your medical professional to maintain a healthy cholesterol balance.
3. Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes is on the rise in the U.S. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 8 million Americans have type 2 diabetes and don’t know it! Untreated diabetes often leads to instances of heart disease; in fact, research shows that nearly 68% of seniors with diabetes succumb to heart disease. The good news is that blood sugar levels can be managed through diet and/or medication. However, since the initial signs of diabetes can be slow to manifest, it’s important to regularly test blood sugar levels.
4. Regularly Exercise
You’ve heard this your entire life—because it’s true! Regularly exercising thirty minutes a day can dramatically improve your heart’s (and overall body’s) health! Whether you take a brisk walk, play the Wii, sign up for a weekly class, or enjoying working out in the comfort of your living room, the important thing is that you do: every day. Consider adopting a dog to get out there; can’t adopt? Volunteer to walk dogs at a local shelter! If Darlene Benjamin can walk dogs daily at 79, so can you!
5. Fiber, fiber, and More Fiber
Fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts pack a powerful punch. As human bodies age, the digestive tract slows down. Consciously choosing high fiber foods helps everything run smoothly. Eating fruits and veggies with peels increases fiber amounts. And here’s the added bonus: these four foods offer significant vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that destroy free radicals in the body. Over time, free radicals can contribute to chronic diseases and certain cancers. Enjoy high fiber foods at every meal—your heart and digestive tract will thank you.
6. Quit Smoking
Smoking not only stresses the respiratory tract, but the cardiovascular tract as well. The good news is that the body can repair the damage done by smoking if given enough time and support. Going cold turkey can be a risky process—especially if you’ve been a life-long smoker. Talk with your medical professional about a smoking cessation program that would be best for you.
Remember: it’s always better to be proactive rather than reactive. Don’t wait for your doctor to recommend a medication to lower your blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Take action for your health and improve your heart health now. These six tips can dramatically lower anyone’s risk of heart disease when they are consistently followed on a daily basis. Good heart health is within your grasp: reach up and take it!