When you reach age 65, heart disease becomes a growing concern as rates of heart attacks and heart failure rise. Unfortunately, these numbers continue to rise as you enter your 70 ’s and 80 ’s. This rise in concern regarding heart disease stems from fat build-up on the arteries, changes in blood vessels and the slowing down of the heart that naturally comes with age.

While these facts can be scary for seniors, it is important to be aware of them so you can work to prevent these problems. By taking actions that can prevent heart disease, you can drastically lower their chances of heart problems as you age.

There are many steps you can take to maintain a healthy heart, including:

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet - This remains one of the most important keys to reducing heart problems for seniors. The best diet for maintaining a healthy heart is a diet that includes fruits and vegetables and eliminates fatty foods and foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol.

2. Exercise Regularly - Getting the heart moving is another effective way to prevent heart problems. Even light exercise for around 30 minutes a day can reduce heart problems greatly. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight and lowering cholesterol levels, both important factors in reducing heart problems.

3. Manage Stress - Stress ranks as one of the leading causes for heart problems for people of all ages. Finding a way to cope with stress and rest is an important way to reduce heart problems. Some things that can lower stress are exercise, meditation, or finding other things that you enjoy.

4. Quit Smoking and Reduce Drinking - While smoking is widely correlated with causing lung issues, it also affects the heart. Smoking damages arterial walls that can increase the likelihood of heart disease. Additionally, while light drinking for seniors will not lead to heart disease, excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure or cardiomyopathy, which is a disease affecting the heart muscle.

5. Monitor Symptoms - Common symptoms of heart disease include pain n the chest, neck, jaw, or throat, pain, numbness or weakness in the legs, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, confusion, fatigue, vomiting, nausea and cold sweats.

By catching these symptoms early, heart problems can be avoided — greatly decreasing the risk of serious injury or death for seniors caused by heart disease

For more information about maintaining a healthy heart from the experts at Pure Home Health Care, please contact us here or call us directly at 877.234.6188.