Taking care of your heart health after turning 40 doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Here’s what to know about heart health after 40.
According to a new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, you can still improve your heart health even if you’re middle-aged. The conclusions show that increasing physical activity over six years during middle age may significantly decrease the risk of heart failure. In contrast, the researchers also found that a lack of physical activity for six years during middle age may increase the risk of heart failure.
“The results are not too surprising given that people that exercise [typically] maintain health longer than individuals that do not exercise,” says Dr. Deepak Gupta, a Vanderbilt University Medical Center cardiologist. “We would expect that individuals that increase their physical activity lower their future risk of heart failure and these results now provide the supporting scientific evidence.”
Gupta also explains what the additional findings mean. “An equally important finding is that individuals who were active initially, but became less active over time, were at increased risk for future heart failure,” he notes.
Dr. Richard Josephson, a cardiologist at University Hospitals Health System in Ohio, emphasizes the importance of exercise at any age. “You’re never too old to start exercising… and the opposite is also true… that at some point you’re exercising regularly and you stop or cut back, that has negative health consequences.”
Staying Fit
While it’s common knowledge that exercise leads to better health, the study reemphasizes the link between consistent workouts and heart health. “Heart failure is among the most common causes of morbidity, particularly among older individuals,” says Gupta. “We are increasingly aware that heart failure can be prevented in some individuals. Maintaining or increasing physical activity in middle age appears to be effective in reducing heart failure risk.”
Josephson suggests that you start low and go slow by walking 5 to 10 minutes per day and gradually increasing your time and distance. There are various aerobic activities you can choose from (e.g.: walking, cycling, swimming, etc.), but the key is to go with what you enjoy. “You need to find the type of exercise that you can do – that you want to do,” says Josephson. By doing so, you’ll be more likely to stick to the activity and keep your exercise routine consistent.
Another thing you can do to boost your heart health is to take supplements like HeartBeet Complete. Its key ingredient is beetroot powder, which contains nitrates that promote your circulation, energy levels, blood pressure health, and more.
It also uses l-arginine, l-citrulline, turmeric, CoQ10, and key vitamins and minerals to provide a complete heart health formula. Give your health the support it needs by exercising regularly and taking HeartBeet Complete.
