The heart is by far the most well-known of the vital organs, but many seniors are still in the dark about how to best take care of it. While it is possible to prevent heart disease, you’ll need to implement lifestyle changes on a day-to-day basis. If you’re ready to commit to heart health, use these tips to make the most of your senior years.

3 Heart Healthy Tips for Seniors 

1. Focus On Your Diet

Diets that are high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol can lead to hypertension and increase your risk of cardiovascular issues. To protect your heart, limit your consumption of red meat, like pork and beef, and cut out trans and saturated fats, which are found in potato chips and other junk foods. Focus on increasing your consumption of fiber—such as from apples, oatmeal, lentils, and almonds—and healthy fats like salmon, avocado, and olive oil. Quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol intake will also improve your heart health.

2. Get Regular Exercise

When you get moving, your heart rate has to increase to pump blood through your body and deliver oxygen to your organs, muscles, and other tissues. This makes your heart stronger, which is why most cardiologists recommend regular exercise for their patients. If possible, try to get 30 minutes of exercise a day, 5 days a week. Also, if you’re experiencing joint pain, try low-impact activities like water aerobics, gardening, and walking.

3. Reduce Your Stress Levels

The link between mental and physical health is an increasingly popular area of study, and a clear example is the connection between heightened stress and the risk of heart disease. Therefore, reducing your anxiety levels may be the key to long-term heart health. If you’re dealing with significant stressors, such as the loss of a loved one, it’s crucial to see a therapist or mental health counselor who can help you learn effective coping strategies.

For day-to-day stress, try practicing meditations and yoga, venting to loved ones, or writing in a journal. You can also lower your stress levels by aiming for a full night’s sleep each night—around 7–9 hours.

If your goal is to prevent heart disease and other cardiovascular problems before they occur, reach out to Premier Cardiology Consultants of Dothan, AL. Dr. Nidal Yunis has over 25 years of experience helping patients take control of their heart health. They can use echocardiograms, ultrasounds, and other exams to come up with an accurate diagnosis and provide reliable treatment options personalized to you. Learn more about their services by visiting the website or schedule an appointment for a heart disease screening by calling (334) 699-6396.