Secrets for a Healthy Heart Once You Turn 50

So now you’re 50, and it’s no more living like a kid for you! Time to get serious about taking care of that thumper of yours – it’s the only one you’ve got! There are plenty of tips and tricks to keeping your ticker tough. For example, did you know that laughter really might be the best medicine? Okay, well, not the best medicine – but a medicine, none the less! According to a study by the University of Maryland Medical Center laughter may be beneficial to preventing heart disease. Other productive ways to keep your heart healthy at 50 is to kick your smoking habit, have regular diet and exercise, attend regular doctors’ visits and oh, did we mention… have sex? Read on for more tantalizing tips.

STOP SMOKING

This is good advice at any age, really. Do you know the heart risks associated with smoking? Smoking has been linked to stroke and coronary heart disease, not to harm to the lungs, reproductive organs, bladder, mouth, and risks of cancer. This happens when a buildup of plaque occurs within the coronary arteries. Tobacco chemicals decrease oxygen to the heart, increase blood clots, raise your heart rate and also damage your blood vessels, heart tissues, and your blood cells – all important for keeping your heart healthy and happy. For those who have already had a heart attack, quitting smoking can reduce the risk of a repeat more than 30%.

EXERCISE

It’s no secret that exercise at any age being in shape equals a healthier you. As you age however, especially menopausal women, losing weight may become more of a challenge due to the changes in hormones and the way your body chemicals react to things. The benefits, however, are well worth the added effort. We can sometimes forget that our heart is a muscle, and it needs exercise too.

Stick to workout routines like aerobic exercises (the dreadful cardio; jogging, biking, etc.) which results blood pressure, lowers bad cholesterol and raises the good. After 50 it’s best to start doing at least 30-minutes of exercise at least five times a week.

SEX FOR YOUR HEALTH

…but honey, it’s for my health, I swear!

While this does make for possibly the best excuse in the world to get down and dirty, some studies do show that sexual activity lowers systolic blood pressure and your risk of heart disease. How? Sex keeps your hormones in check and levels balanced. When for example, your testosterone levels begin to take a dip that’s when the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Pssst… Sex and orgasm also improves sleep, reduces stress, improves bladder control in women, reduces the risk of prostate cancer, and can even work as nature’s aspirin. So go get busy.

YOUR DIET

Your body tends to change in wants and needs when you hit that fickle 50. What may have been easy to work off at 20 (5 hamburgers and a large shake, anyone?) may not be the best beneficial caloric intake for your new bod (was it even then?)

The USDA Food Patterns found that, for example, a somewhat physically active women should be taking in 1,800 calories a day, a man of the same statistic should be taking in 2,200. While you don’t have to turn into someone who obnoxiously counts calories every meal, it may be a good idea to look at the nutritional value on your food packages every once in a while.

Fish are a highly recommended part of your new heart-healthy diet, as they contain omega-3 fatty acids that are your hearts best friend. Omega-3 acids reduces body inflammation, reduces damage to your blood vessels, lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting, decrease the risk of heart failure and stroke, and reduces irregular heartbeats. Stick to fish like salmon, trout, tuna, and herring. Even sardines if you’re up for the challenge. Stay away from fish like marlin, bluefish, bass, and mackerel as they are high in mercury which is a healthy body no-no.

Try and stay away from salt, as this staple food can raise your blood pressure which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Instead, opt for a low-sodium salt substitute found at many health food stores.

While you may want to stay away from delicious salt, the good news is that after 50 we’re still encouraging you to eat chocolate. Dark chocolate, that is. Dark chocolate is rich with antioxidants that helps protect your cells, lowers blood pressure, prevents blood clots and is beneficial to the blood flow between the heart and brain.

ATTEND REGULAR CHECKUPS

So suddenly you turn 50 and going to the doctor becomes as terrifying as if you were five-years-old again – What’s that about? Attending your regular physical is important for keeping your heart and body fit as a fiddle. Maintain open communication with your doctor about any physical changes or irregularities you have noticed since turning 50. Schedule regular heart screening and check your cholesterol.

For women, let your doctor know if you have begun going through menopause, as many factors of your hormonal changes can affect your heart. The risk of heart disease also goes up post menopause.

DRINK UP

Over the years many studies have hailed red wine as a heart-helper; in moderation, of course. Red wine contains key ingredients that are responsible for lowering bad cholesterol, preventing blood clots and contains antioxidants that reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity which are both risks to heart disease. Some studies conflict with these findings, saying that red wine only little better for you than a bottle of beer. It would be beneficial to speak with your health professional about potential risks and benefits for your circumstance.