How To Keep Your Heart Health Into Your 80s

by Martin Prosser | January 17, 2024 | 5 min read

People quickly assume that heart problems are inevitable once they are well into their 80s. However, despite older people being at risk of heart diseases, certain things can keep the heart healthy, even in old age. Some of these things are:

Follow A Heart-Healthy Diet.

The kind of diet you follow will determine if your heart will remain healthy in your old age. For anyone looking to have a healthy heart in their old age, you have to eat more foods low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fruits and vegetables are also great for the heart. Avoid high-fat dairy or meats and reduce the amount of alcohol you consume. Also, work on never skipping breakfast.

Quit Smoking.

If you consider the damage smoking does to the human heart, you should never smoke again. Smoking can raise your risk of heart disease and heart attack. It can also worsen the risk factors of already existing heart disease. Those who manage to quit smoking no matter how late lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Stay Active

Regular physical activity can help you lose excess body weight, improve physical fitness and well-being. It also lowers your risk for many conditions, including heart disease risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Think brisk walking, dancing, or gardening—anything that gets you up and moving instead of sitting for hours every day. Before starting a new fitness routine, always talk to your doctor, especially if you have physical impairments or take certain medications.

Maintain A Healthy Weight.

People with more body fat are at a higher risk of developing heart diseases than those with less body fat. They are also prone to other health issues like high blood pressure, breathing problems, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. However, if you work towards losing weight, you can lower many of these risks and improve your overall health.

Minimize Unnecessary Stress.

Studies have shown that higher stress levels can cause a heart attack. Stress can also result in high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors. Instead of getting stressed unnecessarily, try eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Identify The Symptoms of Heart Disease And Seek Medical Attention Once You Notice Any

It is pretty difficult to detect heart disease in its early stage. Hence, it is great to go for regular checkups and speak up once you notice something strange. If you experience any of these common symptoms, contact your physician:

Sleep as much as you can

Sleep is vital if you look to have a healthy heart, even in old age. Lack of enough sleep can increase your risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke over time.