It is never too late to start looking after your heart but the earlier you start the better the long term outcome.
80% of heart disease is preventable so get started today on improving your long-term health.
By your 50’s your health plan needs to go into higher gear
After the menopause with no oestrogen in the body the blood pressure tends to go up as do the LDL cholesterol and Triglyceride levels while the HDL cholesterol levels tend to get lower. This can lead to furring up of the arteries and in turn heart disease which, shows no symptoms at this stage.
Try going on to any website and type in age, cholesterol, blood pressure and it will estimate your risks.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/check-your-heart-age-tool/
The risks are low if you follow a healthy lifestyle. However if your cholesterol is high despite a healthy lifestyle it would be worth starting a statin at this stage. The statin helps shrink arterial plaque.
If you want to know how bad your calcified plaques are you can ask for a low dose non contrast CT scan of your heart.
Age 60 and Over
The risk of heart attack is much higher now and by 60-79 about 71% of women have some heart disease. The effect of the menopause can increase the risk of heart palpitations and raised blood pressure.
You can still reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack by taking regular physical activity with a daily aerobic exercise routine.
You also need to incorporate some strengthening exercises to improve bone density see article on osteoporosis
Check that you are well within the medical guidelines for your age of blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and fasting blood sugar.
Never ignore any symptoms of chest pain or discomfort when you are stressed or are exercising as prompt medical treatment can avoid serious consequences.
Symptoms you should never ignore include:
1. Palpitations- Do not ignore these and assume they are natural. It is important to find out if it is caused by atrial fibrillation of the heart as this condition increases the risk of stroke
2. Shortness of breath –seek urgent advice if you suddenly are unable to perform the same functions as normal without getting breathless It could be a sign of congestive heart disease or coronary artery disease. Shortness of breath is also one of the most common symptoms of atrial fibrillation.
3. Pressure in the chest- It could be an indication of heart disease. A feeling of fullness, squeezing or dull pressure in the chest that doesn’t go away or that goes away and comes back could be a sign of a heart attack in women.
4. Headaches- This might be a sign of high blood pressure, so get any symptoms checked out.
5. Dizziness– This could be caused by a number of disorders, including diabetes, heart failure, or a heart arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation.
6. Jaw ache- This could be a sign of an unhealthy heart and is a warning sign of a heart attack in women.
7. Swelling of the feet – Fluid could be accumulating in your legs as a result of congestive heart failure.
8. Difficulty lying flat– This could be a result of fluid pooling in your lungs as a result of congestive heart failure.
How to prevent getting Heart Disease
Women who exercise, do not smoke, avoid excessive weight gain and eat a healthy diet which includes a lot of fruits and vegetables can lower their risk of heart disease considerably as they age.
Plan to
1. Give up smoking
2. Cut down your calories and eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
3. Take up regular aerobic exercise