How Aging Affects Your Heart

How Aging Affects Your Heart

As you age, your heart goes through a number of changes. Some of these changes are normal, while others can increase your risk of heart disease.

Normal changes in the heart with aging

* The heart muscle becomes thicker and stiffer. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood.

* The arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrower and less flexible. This can lead to angina (chest pain) or a heart attack.

* The valves in the heart may not work as well. This can cause a heart murmur or other symptoms.

Risk factors for heart disease that increase with age

* High blood pressure

* High cholesterol

* Diabetes

* Smoking

* Obesity

* Physical inactivity

* Family history of heart disease

How to reduce your risk of heart disease as you age

* Control your blood pressure.

* Control your cholesterol.

* Manage your diabetes.

* Quit smoking.

* Lose weight if you are obese.

* Get regular physical activity.

* Eat a healthy diet.

* Manage stress.

If you have any symptoms of heart disease, see your doctor right away.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. However, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by following a healthy lifestyle and managing your risk factors.