Serious heart-related health issues are most likely to be seen in the elderly. There are various factors that play a role in the decline of heart health with advancing age. Luckily, heart health can be restored to normal at early stages and even prevented from getting severe with an appropriate course of action. Here in this blog, the Best Cardiac Surgeon in India will be discussing reasons behind the decline of heart health after the age of 50 and how this can be avoided.

It is important to consult a cardiologist well in time to avoid losing life.

What Causes Heart Health Issues in People Aged 50 and Above?

Here are the factors contributing to poor heart health after 50:

• Age-related changes to the cardiovascular system- The Heart is a muscular organ that involuntarily contracts and relaxes to pump blood. As people get older, their heart muscles become weaker, leading to poor heart pumping efficiency. They have less physical activity, which puts them at risk of hardening of the left ventricle of their heart and, ultimately, limited oxygen-rich blood supply to their body parts. Furthermore, in old age, the resting heart rate becomes lower. This makes their artery walls thicker, and less flexible blood cannot circulate efficiently. Consequently, their blood pressure can’t be quickly stabilized.

• Unhealthy lifestyle- Prolonged intake of unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, excessive stress, and smoking or alcohol abuse, all can contribute to a high risk of heart disease in aged people.

• Underlying medical conditions– Hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetes are medical conditions that impact overall heart health. The elevated bad cholesterol can accumulate in arteries, causing heart attack and stroke. Hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes (high blood sugar levels) both can damage the blood vessels of the heart. These conditions are the result of high consumption of saturated/trans fats and excessive salt/sugar intake, stress, sedentary lifestyle, and/or bad lifestyle habits.

• Hormonal fluctuation after menopause- Women post menopause experience low oestrogen levels. This increases their risk of heart disease.

• Sleep apnea- People with this condition take pauses in their breathing during their sleep. This increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease.

• Family history of heart ailments- Some people are genetically predisposed to suffer from poor heart health.  

Potential Heart Conditions to Watch Out for After Age 50

• Coronary Artery Disease- It is the narrowing of the arteries of the heart due to the build-up of high bad cholesterol levels. It leads to angina, difficulty breathing, or a heart attack.

• Heart Valve Disease- Aortic stenosis, narrowing of the aortic valve, is a common occurrence in aging people.

• Arrhythmias- These are irregularities with heart rhythm/ heartbeat.

• Heart Attack- It is the sudden blockage in the blood circulation to the heart, potentially causing death.

• Heart Failure- It happens when the heart’s pumping efficiency is insufficient to satisfy the body’s needs. Often, it is caused by obesity or long-term hypertension, or heart disease.

Here are some healthy lifestyle choices shared by the best Heart Surgeon in India.

• Focus on eating healthy meals that include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Limit or avoid the consumption of processed foods, sugar or salt-loaded foods, or foods with high saturated or trans fats.
• Aim for at least 5 days of moderate workout of 30 minutes daily or 75 minutes of high-impact activities every week. Maintain a Body Mass Index of less than 25.
• Cease smoking and alcohol intake.
• Engage in stress-relieving activities like yoga and meditation.

Go for regular heart health check-ups.

Consult with a general physician for regular blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar level check-ups. Don’t let heart health be impacted by hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes.

Manage existing conditions

If you have already been experiencing hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes, take effective measures to manage them, on your doctor’s advice. 

When to See a Cardiologist.?

Any aging individual must be heedful of their heart health-related signs:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
• Fatigued even after rest
• Rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeats
• Severe dizziness.

If any of these symptoms are experienced, the patient must be taken to a cardiologist on an urgent basis for appropriate diagnosis and early treatment. Waiting for these signs to be resolved on their own with time is stupid and can turn out to be fatal. 

Dr. Sujay Shad is a leading cardiologist who can be your best help. Reach out to him for heart care. He also provides competitive Heart Surgery Cost in Delhi and is known for his skills and expertise in his field. Consult him.

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