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Cardiology | by Dr. Sabyasachi Pal | Published on 19/07/2022
Whether you are in your 20s or in your 50s, staying healthy and active is important for every single person, especially nowadays when heart diseases are on the rise. These are the leading cause of death worldwide and have been linked with unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. In this blog, we have especially focused on the importance of prioritizing heart health in our 50s and how one can do it, with the help of the best heart doctor in Kolkata.
There are ample reasons for one to stay active and follow a healthy lifestyle in his/her 50s, yet we do not see many people taking this seriously. As we age, our hearts and blood vessels stiffen. The process is gradual and it usually becomes evident when you are nearing or have crossed 50 years of age. Not only this, even systolic blood pressure tends to increase with the increasing years and it has been found that people who are above 50 years of age are highly susceptible to developing hypertension. As per the experts from the best heart hospital in Kolkata, the peak heart rate of a 50-year-old is significantly lower than someone in his 20s or 30s and it continues to drop gradually, with time. So, basically, your risks of developing heart disease spike with every passing year.
Wondering how you can protect your heart in your 50s? Well, there is no rocket science behind it and all you need to do is follow some heart-healthy tips. We have listed some of these below:
1. Try to stay active: For many people, the daily activity level tends to decrease as they age. Although there can be multiple reasons behind it but not most of these can really justify why one tends to sit in one place for hours. You may say that you have a joint problem or you feel too tired to go out and take a stroll. However, you will be surprised to know that staying active not only helps to strengthen your joints and increase mobility, but also helps you to fight fatigue and lethargy. Now, let's focus on how it benefits your heart. No matter what age group you belong to, staying physically active is crucial for your cardiovascular health. This doesn't mean that you have to spend the whole day exercising in the gym, and even 30 minutes of age-appropriate workout is enough.
If you are in your 50s and otherwise healthy, there is a wide range of activities that you can indulge in on a daily basis. These include aerobics, swimming, cycling, walking, yoga, and strength training. You can also try different activities on different days and do not need to stick to just one routine.
Do not push yourself too hard while indulging in any such activity and do not forget to use the right gear. Always carry your water bottle and towel and make sure you are wearing the right shoes. In case you are feeling dizzy or experiencing breathlessness, slow down and call someone for help.
2. Prioritize your diet: When it comes to their diet, people above 50 often tend to act like small kids. If they want to eat something, they'll just have it irrespective of how it is going to affect their overall health in the long run. However, whatever we eat has a direct influence on our heart health. Small dietary choices that we make every day shape the future of our cardiovascular health. Eating healthy does not mean that you have to eat boring and tasteless food. After all, it shouldn't seem like a punishment, isn't it? Your major focus should be on eating nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables and you will find a variety of these around you. Get rid of everything that is refined, whether it's the cooking oil or the flour that you use for making chapatis. You can instead opt for whole-grain foods like oatmeal, white bread, and brown rice. We all use milk and other dairy products on a daily basis and it is not really possible to get rid of these, but you can always go for the healthier alternatives such as start-free or low-fat milk and dairy products made from the same.
Think twice before you crave another piece of Rosagola or any other sweet for that regard as sugar happens to be one of the greatest enemies of your heart. Try to avoid as much as you can or go for healthier substitutes. If you want a personalized, heart-healthy meal plan, you can always consult an expert and get one curated just for you.
3. Quit smoking - If you've had the habit since an early age, most of the damage is already done. Smoking can drastically impact the blood vessels, causing them to become constricted. Experts specializing in angiography in Kolkata suggest that the blood vessels of a smoker tend to be very stiff and highly susceptible to vascular diseases. It can be difficult to get rid of the habit but not impossible. With proper guidance and counseling, you can easily get rid of it.
If you are in your 50s, these three things are very crucial for your heart health. Apart from these, you should also go for regular heart checkups as this can help to detect any heart problem at the earliest, making it possible to treat the same effectively.
