Cardiovascular Disease is not Inevitable for the Elderly

Surprisingly nearly half of all people harbour some or the other types of cardiovascular disease, by the time they reach 50or above. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is most commonly seen in the industrialized nations of the world.

We need not to be afraid of the alarming situation, instead we should be aware of the contributing factors and the efforts required to minimize its occurrence.

 The significant factors responsible include lifestyle, diet, stress, etc.

With advancing age, it is seen that the walls of the arteries thicken and becomes inelastic.  This adversely affects the pumping action of the heart.

 The important ways to facilitate long healthy life, devoid of heart attacks, strokes and hypertension are-

Exercises- a 30 minute mild exercise a day is beneficial in the development of collateral vessels, which bypass blocked or occluded arteries. The protective HDL is increased and triglycerides are decreased. This regulates the blood pressure and also helps in reduction of excess accumulated fats.

Heart-Healthy Diet- Consumption of potassium rich diet with less sodium content is found to be good for blood pressure regulation. Intake of fibre is also very good for the body as it reduces cholesterol and triglycerides content from the body.

Vitamin C & E are the front line defenses against various cardiovascular ailments. So I would suggest too increase their intake.

B-Complex Group- Vitamins like folic acid, vitamin B12 & B6 protect the heart. They regularizes homocysteine level ( a toxic amino acid which damages arteries and causes atherosclerosis)

Fish Oil- Eating cold water fish is healthy for us because it contains the precious omega-3 fatty acid which lowers the chances of inflammation and clot formation. It also effectively reduces cholesterol, triglycerides, thereby prevents the occurrence of lethal arrhythmias.

Lastly I would like to say that although heart diseases are fatal but not unavoidable. Its consequences can be avoided, if proper health regime is opted and religiously followed.