From this stage, the heart begins to experience natural changes that can affect its functioning, especially if there has not been adequate control of risk factors. Hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and sedentary lifestyle can accelerate cardiovascular deterioration, increasing the risk of serious diseases.
As people age, the heart experiences natural changes that can affect their functioning. However, adequate control of healthy risk factors and habits can make a difference in the quality of life of older adults.
The passing of the years causes an increase in the stiffness of the arterial wall and a lower dilation capacity of the arteries of the heart. It can also slightly decrease the heart rate and generate lipofuscine deposits, a pigment that alters the muscle cells of this organ. In addition, heart valves can swell without this implying a disease. However, if there has been no preventive cardiovascular care, the impact of aging is aggravated in the presence of hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity or sedentary lifestyle.
«Aging does not have to translate into poor cardiovascular health. With adequate control of healthy risk factors and habits, it is possible to maintain a strong and functional heart. The early detection of diseases is essential to improve the quality of life at this stage, ”warns Dr. Jorge Jalil, president of the Chilean Society of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery (Sochicar).
Cardiovascular and cardiomethabolic diseases are more frequent in this stage of life. Among them are arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, strokes (stroke), type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic renal disease.
It is never too late to adopt healthy habits that contribute to cardiovascular health. Maintaining an exercise routine with at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity and force exercises is key to preventing sarcopenia. Also, quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, weight and blood sugar levels are essential measures to reduce risks.
“It is important to pay attention to symptoms such as unusual tiredness, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, fainting or swelling on the legs and ankles, since they can be signs of heart problems,” explains Dr. Jalil.
As for preventive controls, a checking that includes the evaluation of habits, measurement of blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, glucose, renal function and an electrocardiogram is recommended. According to the results, more specific exams could be necessary to detect hypertension, coronary insufficiency, heart failure, arrhythmias or chronic renal disease.
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