Having A Healthy Heart In Your Fifties

The function of the heart in our bodies is simple. It is the organ responsible to collect and send blood to and from other organs so that they smoothly perform their functions.

Taking care of the heart is absolutely necessary, as the whole body’s functioning and organs depend on the heart for oxygen-rich blood. If the heart stops for even a few seconds, the most important vital organs like the kidneys, lungs, and brain would further suffer from great damage and even cause death in certain cases.

Many times, heart efficiency and health starts to deteriorate, especially with age. Most people in India and abroad suffer from heart-related issues starting from the age of thirty.

In case of serious disorders, one must not delay a proper consultation with a specialist from one of the top heart hospitals in Bangalore or other cities, to know the condition and health of their most important body organ.

MORE ABOUT THE HEART AND ITS WORKING

The human heart is a muscular organ which is connected to the veins and arteries of the whole body, forming the circulatory system. The arteries take oxygen-rich blood to the body parts while the veins bring oxygen-deficient blood from the same, back to the heart.

The heart is also connected to the lungs where the purification of the blood continuously happens. This is where our blood is enriched with the oxygen we breathe in and the impure blood gets purified, releasing the carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

The heart is separated into left and right atriums and ventricles, four main chambers that are connected to the lungs and the body parts for exchange of blood through arteries and veins. Between these chambers we also find valves that allow flow of blood inside the heart following a specific sequence.

HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY HEART

With time and age, the heart’s efficiency and health can decrease, just like any other mechanical machine in the world. The pumping action of the heart requires the muscles to constantly expand and contract so that the blood is pumped throughout the body.

This requires specific types of muscles and taking care of the heart becomes very important to ensure the smooth functioning of it.

One can follow certain habits and practices as suggested by the doctors from the top heart hospitals in Bangalore to ensure they have a healthy heart for a longer time like the following.

  • SMOKING: one of the major reasons of heart failure suffered by many people and also the cause of deteriorating heart health is smoking. It can not only cause damage to the heart but also the lungs and its functioning. Smoking should be avoided at all costs to have a healthy heart and happy life.
  • ALCOHOL: another common cause of unhealthy functioning of the heart is the use of alcohol. It is very difficult to avoid drinking alcohol if one is already consuming it at a regular rate.

Substances like these are highly addictive and also very damaging to the health of the heart, liver and even the kidneys. Alcohol consumption should either be avoided completely or kept at a minimum to have a healthy heart.

  • MAINTAIN AND CONTROL WEIGHT: it is simple mechanics, if one has more weight or mass in their body, the heart needs to work harder to maintain the needed movement and health. Thus, to avoid over exerting the heart for pumping action, one needs to control their weight and have a toned body.
  • MANAGE STRESS: stress can be a big red flag for heart-related issues. It can even cause a heart attack or complete failure in extreme cases. Managing stress is very important to have a healthy heart.

Some tips to manage stress levels are to engage in activities that require attention and work with the hands like knitting, painting, cooking etc. This allows our conscious mind to keep busy while we make something beautiful or tasty.

Meditation and yoga can also help with stress and allow one to be mindful, conscious, aware and calm at most times.

  • PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: staying physically active is a secret to long life, because it keeps the heart healthy and young for long. One should indulge in sports, cardio exercises, or even dance on upbeat music to keep their bodies moving and maintain a healthy heart.
  • LAUGH: another secret to a long happy life is laughing. Research has enough proof to support the fact that laughing more and loudly keeps the heart healthy and young for long so we can enjoy our lives and make the most of it.