Listen to your heart

 

Visually, the heart does not age much throughout our lives, says cardiologist Robert Ketroser, medical director of the prevention program for University of Minnesota Physicians, Community Division. Like many parts of our bodies, blood vessels generally stiffen over time, making blood fl ow more difficult, and the muscle that makes up the heart can also become less flexible. But a healthy heart will look the same in your older years as it did when you were a young adult.

“So your heart at 25 and your heart at 65 and 75 are pretty much the same heart,” Ketroser says. “It’s what we did with our lifestyle earlier that can make a big difference.” Though genetics play a large role in heart problems before the age of 65, complications later in life are more commonly because of lifestyle choices. Lack of exercise, poor diet, unchecked cholesterol, smoking, and other unhealthy habits take their toll and can lead to narrowed or blocked vessels that can cause heart attacks, strokes and other issues in our 60s and beyond, Ketroser says. But it’s never too late to improve heart health and reduce risk.

A FEW TIPS:

Know your family history. If other members of your family have had heart problems, Ketroser recommends you meet with your family physician and findd out what that might mean for your own risk, and what you can do about it.

Check your cholesterol. From the age of 20, we should have our cholesterol checked every five years at a minimum, Ketroser says. It’s a good idea to continue those checks past the age of 65.

Check your blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends checks every two years for individuals with healthy blood pressure. Those with higher blood pressure should work with their doctor to determine a schedule for more frequent checks.

Eat healthy. Limit your salt intake, Ketroser says, and don’t overindulge on carbohydrates and sweets. Add more vegetables and fruits, lean meats, and whole grains to your diet—and be careful to limit portions so you don’t feel stuffed.

Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise—as simple as going for a walk— for 30 minutes three or four times a week can make a dramatic impact on your heart health, Ketroser says.