Stay away from "heart trouble": How can the elderly prevent cardiovascular disease? This article tells you

As people age, their organs will gradually weaken and their blood vessels will become more fragile, making it easy for them to develop various cardiovascular diseases, which are extremely harmful to the elderly.

It not only affects the normal function of the heart, causing symptoms such as panic, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing, reducing the quality of life of the elderly, but may also cause serious complications.

For example, myocardial infarction can suddenly interrupt the blood supply to the heart. If rescue is not timely, it can be life-threatening at any moment. Long-term high blood pressure will increase the burden on the heart, gradually cause the heart to enlarge, and even develop into heart failure, making it difficult for the elderly to carry out daily activities.

In addition, cardiovascular disease may also lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain, causing dizziness and memory loss. In severe cases, it may cause cerebral infarction, affecting the elderly's cognition and mobility.

So, how can the elderly stay away from such a terrible "heartache"? It is important to remember the following "24-character trick".

1. Eat right to keep your blood vessels healthy

Diet has a great impact on cardiovascular health. The elderly should stay away from "three high" foods, eat less fatty meat, animal offal and high-sugar cakes. Eat more fresh vegetables rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, such as spinach and broccoli, which can clean blood vessels; eat apples, oranges and other fruits regularly to supplement vitamin C and make blood vessels more elastic; choose corn, oats and other coarse grains as staple foods. When cooking, use more steaming, boiling and stewing methods, less frying, and the daily salt intake should not exceed 6 grams.

2. Exercise regularly to relax your mind

Exercise is the "secret to cardiovascular health". When the weather is good, the elderly can go out for a brisk walk 5 times a week, about 30 minutes each time, and sweat a little. If physical conditions allow, cycling and swimming are also good, which can exercise cardiopulmonary function and strengthen muscles. Tai Chi is also a good choice, which can improve body circulation and calm the mood.

3. Stable emotions and blood vessels

Emotional fluctuations are harmful to the cardiovascular system. Extreme joy or sorrow, anxiety or anger can cause blood pressure to soar. Therefore, the elderly should learn to regulate their emotions. When they encounter troubles, they should not keep them to themselves but talk to their family and friends. They should listen to soothing music and watch interesting programs to keep themselves in a good mood, so that their blood vessels can be healthier.

4. Check regularly and prevent early

Regular physical examinations are the key line of defense in preventing cardiovascular diseases. The elderly should go to the hospital for a comprehensive checkup every year to measure blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar, and evaluate heart function. Once abnormal indicators are found, they should follow the doctor's advice, take medicine when necessary, and adjust their lifestyle in time. Elderly people with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes should have regular checkups to control their conditions.

Chai Xiaoli, director of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Hunan Provincial Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital), reminds everyone: Although cardiovascular disease is terrible, as long as we elderly people pay more attention to diet, exercise, emotions, and physical examinations, and develop a healthy lifestyle, we can greatly reduce the risk of disease, keep our lives away from this "major concern," and continue to enjoy our later years happily.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Ma Weiwei, Hunan Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital)

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(Edited by YT)