Good heart health in your senior years means feeling comfortable when active and experiencing daily life with a steady heart rhythm. When you have good heart health, you'll have the energy to enjoy each day of your retirement without worry.
That's important for seniors who retire in Houston, TX, as heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death across the state. Read on as we explore some of the signs of good heart health and what to do if you have any concerning symptoms that could be related to heart disease.
When you are moving around in the daytime and taking on light activities such as cleaning or walking up the stairs, you should not feel out of breath. Heavy, labored breathing could be a sign that your heart is having to work harder to get oxygen.
Sometimes, this can be a symptom of a heart issue. In your senior years, a healthy heart means being able to get through gentle activities without strain. However, mild breathlessness during intensive exercise is normal.
A steady heartbeat is a good sign of health in your senior years. If you can, invest in a watch that monitors your heart and tracks trends. It will help you spot potential issueslike racing or fluttering.
While these might not be signs of heart problems, since they could be caused by other reasons, such as anxiety, it helps you track your heart health over time. If you see any irregular rhythm that gives you cause for concern, make sure you get checked by a healthcare professional.
Do you often complain about having cold hands or find that your feet feel uncomfortably icy at night? Weak circulation can sometimes manifest in poor temperature control in your hands and feet.
Signs of good heart health include maintaining a comfortable temperature in your hands and feet, as well as a normal skin color. If you notice tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, this can also be a sign of a circulation problem, and it's best to speak to a healthcare professional about your concerns.
When you have a routine senior health check, the doctor will take your blood pressure to see whether or not it's in the healthy range.
Blood pressure in the "normal" range is a good sign of a healthy heart, especially when you are in your senior years. It means you have good circulation and you aren't putting too much strain on your heart or blood vessels.
Doctors will advise you on how to manage your blood pressure if it's unusually high or low.
As you get older, you might find you prefer less intense exercise. This is normal as your body begins to age and your muscles weaken.
However, keep a note of your heart during your fitness routines and whether or not you experience any discomfort. Provided you aren't overexerting yourself, you shouldn't feel chest pains or discomfort when exercising at a low to moderate intensity.
Exercise is an excellent way to keep your heart healthy, so continue with a routine that gently challenges you without exhausting you.
Check your feet and ankles for signs of swelling, and take note of shoes that begin to feel tighter. Swelling in this part of the body can be a sign that your heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should.
Healthy-looking feet and ankles can reassure you of your heart health, and you should only notice slight swelling after long periods of sitting or standing. If you begin to see fluid build up that doesn't go away after changing position, speak to your healthcare professional.
As you get older, you might notice fatigue sets in more than it did in the past. You may even change your sleeping habits.
Nevertheless, you shouldn't feel exhausted, as this could be an issue with your heart and oxygen supply. A healthy heart means having the energy to continue with your normal daily routine without feeling drained.
The best way to check whether you have a healthy heart is to attend regular appointments with your healthcare professional. However, there are some ways you can check heart health from home, such as monitoring your heart rate.
Keep an eye on symptoms such as breathlessness, dizziness, and fatigue, as well as changes to temperature in your hands and feet.
Chest pains or feelings of pressure in your chest should always be checked by a doctor. Ongoing symptoms like palpitations and tiredness also warrant checks to give you peace of mind that you have a healthy heart.
It's also a good idea to invest in a heart monitor to wear on your wrist, which can alert you to unusual patterns.
Yes, it's never too late to make changes to your diet and lifestyle and improve your heart health. Introducing heart-healthy habits like exercise is one of the most important steps, but do this gradually and don't overexert yourself with high-intensity exercise on day one.
A healthy, balanced diet is also vital for heart health, and many dieticians support the Mediterranean diet for a healthy heart. Keeping your stress levels low is also important.
Signs of good heart health in your senior years can bring you peace of mind, but never forget the importance of preventative measures like adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Being in a retirement community that promotes wellness, stress reduction, and social interaction also helps you stay in good health. Take a tour of The Forum at Memorial Woods to discover our wide range of fantastic amenities, including a therapy gym, a movie theater, and an art gallery.