The five signs of good heart health that seniors should celebrate include healthy and stable blood pressure readings, good energy levels and daily stamina, and healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. You should also be proud if you have comfortable breathing and no frequent chest discomfort, and the ability to stay active and maintain independence.
According to the CDC, around 1 in 20 adults aged 20 and older has coronary artery disease. Plus, heart disease costs totaled $417.9 billion from 2020 to 2021. Not only does it take a toll on our health, but it also takes a toll on the nation's economy.
This makes action for cardiovascular health essential, especially for seniors in Wilmington, NC. So what are the signs of good heart health?
Whether you're getting fit while living independently or practicing wellness in assisted living, preventive care for seniors is important. Here are five healthy aging indicators to look for regarding senior heart wellness.
One of the clearest signs of cardiovascular strength is consistently good blood pressure readings. This means that your heart isn't working overtime. As a result, this reduces strain on the arteries and lowers your risk of:
You can successfully maintain healthy numbers through a combination of medication, diet, regular movement, and routine checkups.
Having steady energy and the ability to complete daily activities without becoming easily exhausted is a strong sign of a healthy heart. For older adults, this might look like doing the following without feeling overly short of breath:
It's normal to slow down a little with age, but noticeable endurance in everyday routines is definitely worth celebrating.
Good cholesterol and blood sugar numbers show that your heart and blood vessels are in good shape. The goal is to keep LDL ("bad") cholesterol low and HDL ("good") cholesterol at healthy levels. This, plus keeping blood sugar within target ranges, reduces the risk of:
These numbers can also reflect how well your body is responding to lifestyle habits (e.g., diet, exercise, and medications). So it's essential to have them regularly checked.
Being able to breathe comfortably during daily activities and not experiencing frequent chest pain or tightness is a good sign. This means that your heart is pumping blood efficiently, and that your body is getting adequate oxygen without strain.
Do note that occasional shortness of breath after exerting yourself can be normal. But you should be able to consistently walk, climb stairs, and move around without discomfort. If this is the case, then it's an indication that your heart, lungs, and blood vessels are working well together.
You shouldn't have:
One of the most important and meaningful signs of good heart health for older adults is the ability to stay active and live independently.
When your heart is healthy, everyday tasks feel manageable, not exhausting. You should be able to do these things easily:
That level of independence means you have good circulation, endurance, and overall cardiovascular strength. Your body is handling physical stress well and recovering normally after activity.
You may be surprised, but seniors can play a powerful role in raising heart health awareness. You can do so by:
The most important thing you can do is start conversations. Whether you talk to family members, friends, or people in the community, the goal should be to discuss healthy habits that can be passed on to future generations.
Having good habits for heart health is vital, especially for seniors. The seven habits you should have are:
If you keep up with all seven habits, then this can help you maintain energy, as well as reduce your heart attack and stroke risk. As a result, this supports long-term independence.
There's no single perfect measurement, but for seniors, blood pressure is one of the strongest overall indicators of heart health. Unfortunately, high blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it can significantly raise your risk of:
Other things you should get checked to get a clear picture of how well your heart and circulatory system are functioning are:
Functional endurance can be an important indicator. See how easily you can walk, climb stairs, or perform daily activities without becoming overly tired or short of breath.
Heart Health Month is in February, and you can celebrate it by focusing on small, healthy lifestyle improvements. Some ideas include:
The goal during this month should be awareness, prevention, and empowerment.
If you've noticed that you have the signs of good heart health, then you should be proud of yourself. After all, heart disease is the top killer of Americans, so your chances of seeing many more years should be good.
Just make sure you're diligent in keeping up with good habits. And try to educate your loved ones about heart health so they can live long and healthy lives too.
At Morningside of Wilmington, we provide daily enrichment activities and social gatherings to make sure that our residents aren't bored, and we also have a fitness area. To learn more about senior living in Wilmington, NC, get in touch with us now.