February is American Heart Month — a time to reflect on and create a plan to improve personal heart health. The American Heart Association recommends being proactive to help prevent heart disease and other heart conditions. Making the recommended lifestyle changes can help you protect your heart through every stage of life.
For Those in Their 20s
The earlier you start paying attention to their heart, the better. People in their twenties should focus on finding a primary care doctor for regular wellness checkups and heart health screenings. Being physically active at a young age helps you stay active as you age. Not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are two more important preventive measures you can take early in life. According to a U.S. Surgeon General report, nonsmokers are up to 30% more likely to develop heart disease or lung cancer from secondhand smoke exposure.
For Those in Their 30s
While taking on more responsibilities may leave people in their thirties with less time to think about their health, heart health should still be a priority. For those with families, creating and maintaining heart-healthy habits as a family can be an effective way to balance personal health with other obligations. You should also review your family medical history to see if heart disease runs in your family, so you know which risk factors to address. Stress can also become a problem if left unchecked, and finding healthy ways to manage it is one of the keys to maintaining heart health.
For Those in Their 40s
Health issues like diabetes often develop as people approach middle age, so if you’re in your forties, you should focus on strengthening your heart. Metabolism can slow down with age, and a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent weight gain. Before turning 45, most people should have a fasting blood glucose test and have their doctor regularly check their blood sugar level. Loud or constant snoring may also indicate sleep apnea, which may contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, or stroke without proper treatment.
For Those in Their 50s
After turning 50, you should take extra steps to strengthen you heart health. Keep eating fiber-rich foods, fish, nuts, legumes, and seeds along with plenty of fruits and vegetables. This is also the time to learn how to recognize warning signs of a heart attack and stroke, which can present differently in men and women. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you should follow your doctor’s treatment plan, take prescribed medications, and make lifestyle or diet changes.
For Those in Their 60s and Above
Age increases the risk of heart disease, so people in their sixties may experience more medical problems. It’s important to stay active to prevent or manage peripheral artery disease (PAD) and adjust your diet accordingly. As people age, they need fewer calories, so it’s important to eat smaller portions of nutrient-rich foods and exercise regularly. Learning more about heart attack and stroke symptoms becomes increasingly important as you get older, and you should make sure you can access treatment for both quickly.
For All Ages
Everyone can take steps to improve their heart health by:
- Choosing to eat healthier foods.
- Exercising regularly.
- Learning heart attack and stroke symptoms.
A healthy heart is essential to overall health, regardless of age. Making smart choices now can help limit issues as you age. Find more information and resources from AHA at www.heart.org.
