With heart disease ranking as the leading cause of death in the U.S. with over 610,000 death per year, seniors must be extra cautious to avoid it. While diet and exercise are said to be the solution, here are more in-depth tips on how seniors can prevent heart disease:
1. Monitor your blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the first signs of heart disease because it may indicate the risk of clogged arteries. The leading causes of high blood pressure include excessive smoking, bad diet habits and obesity. Although many people suffer from high blood pressure, this condition can be controlled with medications like diuretics and calcium channel blockers. If you believe you are at risk for high blood pressure, don’t be afraid to contacts your local physician for a check-up.
2. Minimize stress
Grappling with high amounts of stress can dramatically increase your chances of heart disease. If you are overly stressed, you are more likely to develop bad habits that will stick with you. If you are feeling stressed, it is important to find an outlet that relieves your worries. Try finding a new hobby like taking a yoga class, golfing or even tai chi.
3. Cut the alcohol
Did you know alcohol can be deadly for your health by increasing the risk of heart failure from excess fats in the blood? Most experts agree that avoiding indulging is a good idea for folks in their golden years.
4. Get enough sleep
It is recommended that most adults get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. If sleep deprived, you are more at risk for high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. If you are struggling to find a consistent sleep schedule, try establishing good sleep habits by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily. If you believe to have a condition that affects your quality of sleep like sleep apnea, don’t be afraid to get help from a sleep specialist.
By following these four tips, you will be less at risks for one of the most dangerous diseases in the world. Now is the time to start developing positive life-long habits.