Heart of heart after 60: Cardiologist tips

Heart of heart after 60: Cardiologist tips

Section 1: The aging of the heart – what really happens?

1. Natural changes in the cardiovascular system with age.

   • With age, the heart undergoes a number of natural changes. Myocardial, muscle tissue of the heart, can thicken, especially in the left ventricle, which leads to a decrease in the elasticity and effectiveness of blood pumping. This phenomenon, known as hypertrophy of the left ventricle, often develops gradually and can go unnoticed until more serious symptoms appear.

   • Vessels, including arteries and veins, are also subjected to age -related changes. The walls of arteries become less elastic and more rigid, which leads to an increase in blood pressure. This process is called arteriosclerosis, and it significantly increases the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

   • The heart valves that control the flow of blood through the heart can be thickened and calcified over time. This can lead to stenosis (narrowing) or insufficiency (incomplete closure) of the valves, which disrupts normal blood flow and requires additional efforts from the heart.

   • The conducting system of the heart, which is responsible for the regulation of the heart rhythm, can also undergo changes. A decrease in the number of pacemaker cells in the sinus node, the natural regulator of the heart rhythm can lead to a slowdown of heart rhythm (bradycardia) or the development of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.

2. The impact of aging on the function of the heart: contractility, relaxation, conductivity.

   • Contractibility: The ability of the heart muscle to contract and pump blood can decrease with age. This is due to a decrease in the amount and effectiveness of contractile elements in myocardial cells, as well as changes in the metabolism of energy in the heart muscle. A decrease in contractility leads to a decrease in heart ejection, blood volume pumped by heart per minute.

   • Relaxation: The ability of the heart muscle to relax between contractions also worsens with age. This is due to changes in the structure and function of cardiomyocytes, as well as with the accumulation of collagen in the myocardium. Violation of relaxation leads to diastolic dysfunction, when the heart cannot be effectively filled with blood during diastole (relaxation phase).

   • Conductivity: The speed and effectiveness of conducting electrical impulses through the heart slows down with age. This is due to a decrease in the quantity and a change in the structure of conductive cells, as well as with the deposition of fibrous tissue in the conducting system. Violation of conductivity can lead to various arrhythmias, including heart blockade and atrial fibrillation.

3. The differences between the “normal” aging of the heart and pathological changes.

   • It is important to understand the difference between normal age -related changes in the heart and pathological conditions that require medical intervention. Normal age -related changes, such as a small thickening of the walls of the heart and a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels, may not cause any symptoms and not affect the quality of life.

   • However, if these changes become pronounced and lead to the development of symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, edema or heart rhythm, this may indicate the presence of a cardiovascular disease.

   • Pathological changes include coronary heart disease, heart failure, arterial hypertension, valve heart defects and arrhythmias. These conditions require diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications, such as myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden heart death.

   • Regular examinations at the cardiologist and conducting the necessary examinations help identify pathological changes in the early stages and take timely measures to maintain heart health.

Section 2: Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases after 60 years.

1. Traditional risk factors: arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, smoking, obesity.

   • Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure): With age, blood pressure tends to increase, which increases the load on the heart and blood vessels. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to thickening of the walls of the heart, the development of heart failure, damage to the kidneys and increasing the risk of stroke. Regular measurement of blood pressure and compliance with the recommendations of a doctor to control blood pressure are critical for the health of the heart.

   • Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol): An increased level of cholesterol, especially low density lipoproteins (LDL or “bad cholesterol”), contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries. These plaques narrow the lumen of blood vessels, limit the blood flow and increase the risk of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke. A decrease in cholesterol with a diet, physical exercises and, if necessary, drug therapy is an important part of the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

   • Diabetes sugar: Diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The high level of glucose in the blood damages the walls of blood vessels, promotes the development of atherosclerosis and increases the risk of thrombosis. Monitoring the level of blood sugar using a diet, physical exercises and drug therapy is the key to protect the heart in diabetes.

   • Smoking: Smoking is one of the most serious risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Nicotine and other harmful substances contained in tobacco smoke damage the walls of blood vessels, increase blood pressure, reduce the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL) and increase the risk of thrombosis. Refusal of smoking, even in old age, significantly reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

   • Obesity: Excess weight, especially abdominal obesity (deposition of fat in the abdomen), is associated with an increased risk of development of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Reducing weight with a diet and physical exercises improves metabolic indicators and reduces the load on the heart.

2. Specific risk factors for the elderly: inflammation, chronic diseases, deficiency of vitamins.

   • Inflammation: Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. With age, the level of inflammatory markers in the blood, such as C-reactive protein (SRB), tends to increase. Monitoring inflammation with a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory products, physical exercises and, if necessary, drug therapy can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

   • Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. These diseases can have a direct effect on the heart and blood vessels, as well as contribute to the development of other risk factors, such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Treatment and control of chronic diseases are important for heart protection.

   • Deficiency of vitamins and minerals: The deficiency of some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid and magnesium, can be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and vascular function. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are necessary for homocysteine metabolism, a high level of which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Magnesium is involved in the regulation of heart rhythm and blood pressure. Maintaining an adequate level of vitamins and minerals using a diet or additives can be useful for the health of the heart.

3. Genetic predisposition and family history.

   • A genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. If your close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters) had cardiovascular diseases, especially at an early age, your risk of developing these diseases is also increased.

   • A family history allows you to evaluate a genetic predisposition and take additional measures to prevent cardiovascular diseases. This may include an earlier start of screening for risk factors, such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, as well as more aggressive treatment of these risk factors, if present.

   • Knowing your family history allows you and your doctor to develop an individual plan for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Section 3: Symptoms of heart disease after 60: what to pay attention to.

1. Typical symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, swelling.

   • Breast pain (angina pectoris): Pain in the chest, especially pressing, compressing or burning, can be a sign of coronary heart disease, when the blood supply to the heart muscle is limited. Breast pain often occurs during physical activity or stress and takes place at rest or after taking nitroglycerin. It is important to immediately consult a doctor if you have pain in your chest, especially if it is strong, lasts more than a few minutes or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, sweating or nausea.

   • Dyspnea: Shortness of breath, especially with physical exertion or in a lying position, can be a sign of heart failure, when the heart cannot effectively pump blood. Shortness of breath can also be caused by other diseases, such as lung diseases, anemia or obesity. It is important to consult a doctor if you have shortness of breath, especially if it is sudden, strong or accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, edema or cough.

   • Far heartbeat (tachycardia) or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia): Far or irregular heartbeat can be a sign of arrhythmia when the electrical activity of the heart is impaired. Arrhythmias can be harmless or life -threatening. It is important to consult a doctor if you have a rapid or irregular heartbeat, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting or chest pain.

   • Swelling: Edema, especially in the legs and ankles, can be a sign of heart failure, when the heart cannot effectively pump blood, which leads to a delay in fluid in the body. Edema can also be caused by other diseases such as kidney, liver or vein diseases. It is important to consult a doctor if you have swelling, especially if they are strong, sudden or accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue.

2. Atypical symptoms in the elderly: fatigue, dizziness, confusion.

   • In older people, symptoms of heart disease can be less typical than in young people. For example, instead of chest pain, elderly people can only experience fatigue, weakness or dizziness.

   • Fatigue: Inexplicable fatigue, especially with physical exertion, can be a sign of heart failure or coronary heart disease. It is important to consult a doctor if you have inexplicable fatigue, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or edema.

   • Dizziness: Dizziness, especially when getting up with a lying or sitting, can be a sign of low blood pressure, arrhythmia or heart failure. It is important to consult a doctor if you have a dizziness, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fainting, a rapid heartbeat or chest pain.

   • Confusion: Confusion of consciousness, disorientation or change in behavior can be signs of a decrease in blood flow in the brain caused by heart failure, arrhythmia or stroke. It is important to see a doctor immediately if you or your loved one have confusion.

3. The importance of timely seeking a doctor with any new or worsening symptoms.

   • It is important not to ignore new or worsening symptoms, even if they seem insignificant. Timely seeking a doctor can help identify cardiovascular diseases in the early stages, when treatment is most effective.

   • Do not postpone the visit to the doctor if you have any of the above symptoms, especially if they are strong, sudden or accompanied by other symptoms. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment can save life.

Section 4: Diagnosis of heart disease in the elderly.

1. Clinical examination and history of anamnesis.

   • The first stage in the diagnosis of heart disease is a clinical examination and collection of an anamnesis. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, family history and medications taken. He will also measure your blood pressure, pulse and conduct a physical examination, including listening to the heart and lungs.

   • The clinical examination and collection of an anamnesis allow the doctor to get important information about your state of health and determine what additional examinations are necessary.

2. Electrocardodiography (ECG).

   • Electrocardiography (ECG) is a non -invasive research method that allows you to register electrical activity of the heart. ECG can identify heart rate disorders, signs of myocardial ischemia (insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle), left ventricular hypertrophy and other changes associated with heart disease.

   • The ECG is a simple and fast research method that can be performed in the doctor’s office or in the hospital.

3. Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart).

   • Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) is a non -invasive research method that uses ultrasonic waves to create an image of the heart. Echocardiography allows you to evaluate the structure and function of the heart, including the size and thickness of the walls of the heart, valve function, myocardial contractility and the presence of fluid in the heart bag.

   • Echocardiography is an important method of diagnosing heart failure, valve heart disease and other heart diseases.

4. Holter monitoring ECG.

   • Holter monitoring of ECG is a research method in which the ECG is recorded continuously within 24-48 hours or more. Holter monitoring allows you to identify transient heart rhythm disturbances, which may not be detected with a conventional ECG.

   • Holter monitoring is often used to diagnose arrhythmias, evaluate the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic therapy and identify the causes of dizziness or fainting.

5. Stress tests (tradmil-test, cycling, stress-echocardiography).

   • Stress tests are research methods in which the heart is subjected to physical activity or pharmacological effects to identify signs of myocardial ischemia.

   • Treadmill test and bicycle ergometry: During these tests, you walk along the treadmill or pedal a bicycle ergometer, and the ECG and blood pressure are controlled. If signs of myocardial ischemia appear during the load, this may indicate the presence of coronary heart disease.

   • Stress echocardiography: During this test, echocardiography is performed before and after physical activity or pharmacological effects. If during the load there are signs of impaired myocardial contractility, this may indicate the presence of coronary heart disease.

   • Stress tests help to evaluate the functional state of the heart and identify coronary heart disease, even if it does not appear at rest.

6. Coronarography (angiography).

   • Coronarography (angiography) is an invasive research method in which a contrast medium is introduced into the coronary arteries, and then x -rays are performed. Coronarography allows you to visualize the coronary arteries and identify narrowing or blockages caused by atherosclerotic plaques.

   • Coronarography is a “gold standard” of the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and is used to determine the need for angioplasty or aorticronary bypassage.

7. Blood tests (lipid profile, glucose, electrolytes, inflammation markers).

   • Blood tests allow you to evaluate risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and inflammation.

   • Lipid profile: Determines the level of cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDLs) and triglycerides.

   • Glucose level: Allows you to identify diabetes.

   • Electrolytes: Determines the level of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, which are important for the normal function of the heart.

   • Inflammation markers: The level of C-reactive protein (CSB) and other inflammation markers, which may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, are determined.

Section 5: Treatment of heart disease after 60: Basic approaches.

1. Change in lifestyle: diet, physical activity, rejection of smoking, weight control.

   • Diet: A healthy diet plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It is recommended to eat foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low -fat protein and healthy fats (for example, olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds). The use of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, salt and sugar should be limited. The Mediterranean diet is an example of a healthy diet that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

   • Physical activity: Regular physical activity helps strengthen the heart, reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol and control weight. It is recommended to engage in aerobic exercises of moderate intensity (for example, walking, swimming, cycling) at least 150 minutes a week or aerobic exercises of high intensity (for example, running, aerobics) at least 75 minutes a week. Strength exercises that help strengthen muscles are also useful. It is important to consult a doctor before starting a new program of physical exercises.

   • Refusal of smoking: Refusal of smoking is one of the most important steps that you can take to protect your heart. Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels, increases blood pressure, reduces the level of “good” cholesterol and increases the risk of thrombosis.

   • Weight control: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the load on the heart and improves metabolic indicators. If you have overweight or obesity, weight loss with a diet and physical exercises can significantly improve your heart health.

2. Drug therapy: antihypertensive drugs, statins, antiarrhythmic drugs, anticoagulants.

   • Antihypertensive drugs: Antihypertensive drugs are used to reduce blood pressure. There are various classes of antihypertensive drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (IAC), angiotensin II (sconces) receptors, beta-blockers, calcium channels and diuretics blockers. The choice of an antihypertensive drug depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases.

   • Statin: Statins are used to reduce cholesterol, especially low density lipoproteins (LDL). Statins reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke.

   • Antiarrhythmic drugs: Antiarrhythmic drugs are used to monitor heart rhythm (arrhythmias). There are various classes of antiarrhythmic drugs that act in different ways. The choice of an antiarrhythmic drug depends on the type of arrhythmia and the individual characteristics of the patient.

   • Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants are used to prevent blood clots. Anticoagulants can be prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation, artificial heart valves or other conditions that increase the risk of thrombosis.

3. Invasive methods of treatment: angioplasty and stenting, aorto -hunkering bypass, installation of a pacemaker.

   • Angioplasty and stenting: Angioplasty is a procedure in which a catheter with a cylinder at the end is introduced into the narrowed or clogged coronary artery. The cylinder swells, expanding the artery and restoring blood flow. Then a stent is installed in the artery to maintain it open.

   • Alcoronarnare shooting (USA): Aksh is a surgical operation in which bypass paths are created around the narrowed or clogged coronary arteries, using the patient’s own blood vessels (for example, the veins of the legs or arteries of the chest).

   • Installation of a pacemaker: A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted under the skin and sends electrical impulses to the heart to adjust its rhythm. Pacemakers are used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rhythm) and some other arrhythmias.

4. Rehabilitation after myocardial infarction and other heart diseases.

   • Rehabilitation after myocardial infarction and other heart diseases is an important part of health restoration. Rehabilitation programs include physical exercises, educational classes and psychological support.

   • The aim of rehabilitation is to improve the physical form, reduce the risk of repeated heart events, improve the quality of life and teach patients to self -control and manage their disease.

Section 6: Prevention of heart disease after 60: What can be done yourself.

1. Regular control of blood pressure and cholesterol.

   • Regular control of blood pressure and cholesterol allows you to identify risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in the early stages and take measures to control them.

   • It is recommended to measure blood pressure at least once a year, and in the presence of hypertension – more often, on the recommendation of a doctor. It is also recommended to take a blood test for a lipid profile at least once a year, and in the presence of hypercholesterolemia – more often, on the recommendation of a doctor.

2. Healthy nutrition and maintenance of optimal weight.

   • Healthy nutrition and maintenance of optimal weight play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

   • Follow the recommendations for a healthy diet described in Section 5, and strive to maintain a healthy weight with a diet and physical exercises.

3. Regular physical activity.

   • Regular physical activity helps strengthen the heart, reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol and control weight.

   • Follow the recommendations on physical activity described in Section 5, and choose the types of activity that you like and which you can perform regularly.

4. Refusal of smoking and moderate alcohol consumption.

   • Refusal of smoking is one of the most important steps that you can take to protect your heart.

   • If you drink alcohol, do it moderately. It is recommended to drink no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women and no more than two alcoholic beverages per day for men.

5. Stress management and sufficient sleep.

   • Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is important to learn how to manage stress with the help of relaxation, meditation, yoga or other methods.

   • A sufficient sleep (7-8 hours a day) is also important for the health of the heart. The lack of sleep can increase blood pressure, blood glucose and the risk of inflammation.

6. Regular visits to the doctor and compliance with recommendations.

   • Regular visits to the doctor allow you to identify risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in the early stages and get recommendations on prevention and treatment.

   • Follow all the doctor’s recommendations, including taking medications, changing lifestyle and regular examinations.

Section 7: Psychological aspects of heart health after 60.

1. The influence of stress, depression and anxiety on the cardiovascular system.

   • Stress, depression and anxiety can have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system.

   • Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, blood cholesterol and the risk of inflammation. Depression and anxiety are also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

2. Methods of stress management and improved psychological well -being: meditation, yoga, communication with loved ones.

   • There are various methods of stress control and improve psychological well -being, which can be useful for the health of the heart.

   • Meditation: Meditation helps to reduce stress, improve mood and reduce blood pressure.

   • Yoga: Yoga combines physical exercises, breathing techniques and meditation, which helps reduce stress, improve flexibility and strengthen muscles.

   • Communication with loved ones: Communication with loved ones can help reduce stress, improve mood and feel more supported.

3. The importance of social activity and maintaining relations with society.

   • Social activity and maintenance of relations with society are important for the psychological well -being and health of the heart.

   • Participation in social events, volunteer activities, communication with friends and family can help reduce stress, improve mood and feel more related to the world.

Section 8: heart care with concomitant diseases.

1. Diabetes.

   • Diabetes mellitus significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Monitoring the level of blood sugar using a diet, physical exercises and drug therapy is the key to protect the heart in diabetes.

   • It is recommended to regularly measure blood sugar levels, follow the doctor’s recommendations for the diet and medication, as well as control blood pressure and cholesterol.

2. Chronic kidney disease.

   • Chronic kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Control of blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors is important for protecting the heart in chronic kidney disease.

   • It is recommended to regularly undergo examinations to evaluate the function of the kidneys, follow the doctor’s recommendations for the diet and medication, as well as control blood pressure and cholesterol.

3. Thyroid diseases.

   • Thyroid diseases, both hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function), and hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function), can affect the cardiovascular system.

   • Hyperthyroidism can cause rapid heartbeat, arrhythmias and an increase in blood pressure. Hypothyroidism can cause a slow -hearted rhythm, an increase in cholesterol and an increase in the risk of heart failure.

   • It is important to regularly undergo examinations to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland and follow the doctor’s recommendations for the treatment of thyroid diseases.

4. Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).

   • Cobble is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. COPD can lead to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), which increases the load on the heart and increases the risk of developing pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.

   • It is important to quit smoking, follow the doctor’s recommendations for the treatment of COPD and control blood pressure and cholesterol.

Section 9: Questions and answers.

1. What hearts for the heart are most often prescribed for older people?

   • The most commonly prescribed medicines for the heart are the elderly include:

     • Antihypertensive drugs (IAC, Bra, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics) to reduce blood pressure.
     • Statins for reducing cholesterol.
     • Antiarrhythmic drugs for monitoring heart rate disorders.
     • Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots.
     • Antianginal drugs (for example, nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) to relieve chest pain with angina pectoris.
     • Diuretics to reduce swelling with heart failure.

2. How to take medications for the heart to avoid side effects?

   • To avoid side effects when taking medications for the heart, it is important:

     • Carefully follow the instructions of the doctor and pharmacist.
     • Take medicines at the same time every day.
     • Do not miss the doses.
     • Do not stop taking medications without consulting a doctor.
     • To inform the doctor about all other medicines that you take to avoid the interaction of drugs.
     • Tell the doctor about any side effects.

3. How often do you need to visit a cardiologist after 60 years?

   • The frequency of visiting a cardiologist after 60 years depends on your health status and the presence of cardiovascular diseases.

   • If you do not have cardiovascular diseases, it is recommended to attend a cardiologist for a preventive examination at least once a year.

   • If you have cardiovascular diseases, the frequency of visiting a cardiologist is determined by a doctor depending on the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

4. What examinations need to be held regularly to control the health of the heart?

   • To control the health of the heart, it is recommended to regularly undergo the following examinations:

     • Measurement of blood pressure.
     • Blood test for a lipid profile.
     • Electrocardiography (ECG).
     • Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), if necessary.
     • Stress tests, if necessary.

5. What products are useful for the heart after 60 years, and which should be avoided?

   • Useful products for the heart after 60 years:

     • Fruits and vegetables (especially dark green and orange).
     • Whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain bread).
     • Low -fat protein (fish, chicken without skin, legumes).
     • Healthy fats (olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds).

   • Products that should be avoided:

     • Saturated and trans fats (red meat, fried foods, treated foods).
     • Cholesterol (egg yolks, offal).
     • Salt (salted appetizers, canned foods, processed meat).
     • Sugar (sweet drinks, sweets, baking).

Section 10: New directions in cardiology for the elderly.

1. Transcatter implantation of the aortic valve (TAVI).