As you get older, your heart doesn’t always work as well as it used to. However, that doesn’t mean you should just expect a bad heart because you’re aging. There are ways you can help protect your heart as much as possible, and keep it healthy for years to come. Exercise, diet, and regular medical care and the three main components of good heart health, particularly for older people. Here’s what to consider, so you can keep your heart pumping properly.
It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Start
According to Ian Weisberg and other medical professionals, you can work on important ways to protect your heart health at any age. It can become more important as you get older, but younger people can experience heart health issues, as well. It’s never too early to start taking good care of your heart, but it’s also never too late to make improvements. Working with your doctor is the right choice to make sure you’re doing what’s safe and healthy for your stage of life.
Make Sure to Have Checkups
Regular checkups can help your doctor catch any heart problems that might be starting, or that you could be at risk for, along with other medical conditions that might affect your heart in the future. When you get regular checkups, your doctor will also notice anything that’s changed since your last checkup, so you can work on that issue if it’s becoming a problem. If your weight or blood sugar has crept up, for example, getting those under control can reduce your heart risks.
Eat Healthy for Increased Protection
Eating healthy, says Dr. Ian Weisberg, doesn’t have to be difficult or boring. There are plenty of healthy foods that are delicious, and there are also times when a treat or two is appropriate. The overall goal is to eat healthily most of the time, to give your heart the added protection it needs. When you choose whole foods and a mostly plant-based diet with lean meats and some dairy, you’ll be getting enjoyable food and helping your heart stay strong for years to come.
Be Sure to Get Moving
Exercise is another crucial way to protect your heart as you get older. The more you move around and stay active, the more your heart is required to keep up and stay strong. Getting moving every day provides a lot of big benefits for the health of your heart.
