How to Keep Your Heart Healthy

It's always important to stay on top of your heart health, but as we get older, it's even more important. After 65, the change in our heart and blood vessels can increase our risk for developing cardiovascular disease and other heart problems.

The good news is there are things we can to do help. Continue reading for a few tips on how you can ensure you're living a heart-healthy lifestyle.

1. Learn your heart history.

You can't change genetics, but knowing your heart history can help you take preventative measures or change your behaviors so that you can lower your risk for developing certain heart problems.

2. Monitor your blood pressure.

High blood pressure levels can be bad for your heart. The increased force of blood flow can damage your blood vessels and weaken them over time. It can also cause damage to your arteries and prevent blood flow to your heart.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly, and talk to your doctor if you're concerned about having high blood pressure.

3.Maintain a healthy weight.

Excess weight can put a lot of stress on your heart and lead to fatty material building up in your arteries. If your arteries become clogged or damaged, it can lead to a heart attack.

Excess weight can also increase your risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy weight can help by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels normal.

4. Manage your stress.

You might not really think that stress affects your heart, but even minor stress can trigger heart problems like poor blood flow. Chronic stress can be much worse on your heart by increasing blood cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. It can even cause heart attacks in severe situations.

Figuring out ways to help manage your stress may help lower your risk for developing heart problems.

5. Eat a healthy diet.

A healthy diet can help lower the "bad" cholesterol and raise the "good" cholesterol in your blood. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight further decreasing your chance of developing heart problems.

6. Get good sleep.

Better sleep can mean a healthier heart. Sleeping naturally lowers your blood pressure. Difficulty sleeping or poor sleep quality can increase your risk of high blood pressure. High blood pressure may eventually lead to various heart problems or concerns.

7. Stay active.

Staying physically active can improve cardiovascular function, decrease blood pressure, and lower your cholesterol levels. The heart is a muscle and, just like any other muscle, will benefit from regular exercise.

There are even more benefits to exercising outside.

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