Heart health should be a priority for all seniors. If they live a lifestyle that protects their heart, they will enjoy a better quality of life and can live longer by preventing common problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Work with your loved one to maintain the following heart-healthy habits.

How Seniors Can Promote Their Heart Health

1. Exercise

Exercise is the best way to keep the heart strong and avoid high blood pressure. Seniors should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise five or six days a week.

It doesn’t need to be intense; light exercise such as walking, cycling, or swimming is sufficient. If they want a more involved regimen, they should consult with their doctor before starting a new routine.

2. Avoid Tobacco

A strong link has been found between smoking and heart problems, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. It’s estimated that tobacco use or exposure to secondhand smoke causes one out of every four deaths from cardiovascular disease.

If your loved one currently smokes, they should quit as soon as possible. If they do not smoke, they should avoid secondhand exposure.

3. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Fatty foods clog arteries, causing heart disease and high blood pressure. Your loved one should limit red meat in their diet and instead choose leaner sources of protein, such as fish and chicken. A diet high in whole grains, fiber, fresh fruit, and vegetables will reduce sodium, saturated fat, sugar, and cholesterol.

If your senior loved one is concerned about their heart health, contact DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, in Rochelle Park, NJ. Dr. Leonardo DiVagno and his team of board-certified cardiovascular physicians offer thorough cardiac screening and care for issues such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. See their full list of services online, or call (201) 845-3535 to schedule an appointment.