Heart of heart after 40

Heart of heart after 40: a comprehensive guide for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment

Cardiovascular diseases (SVD) are the main cause of mortality around the world. With age, especially after 40 years, the risk of developing these diseases increases significantly. This is due to natural age -related changes, way of life and genetic predisposition. Awareness of risks and active prevention is the key to maintaining the health of the heart and longevity.

I. Age -related changes and their effect on the heart:

With age, the heart undergoes a number of changes that affect its function and increase susceptibility to diseases.

1. Reducing the elasticity of the arteries: The walls of arteries become less elastic, which leads to an increase in blood pressure. This condition, known as arterial hypertension, is the main risk factor for the development of SVD. An increase in the rigidity of the aorta, the main artery emerging from the heart, helps to increase systolic (upper) blood pressure.

2. Increase the thickness of the walls of the heart (hypertrophy): The heart is forced to work more diligent to pump blood through less elastic arteries. This leads to the thickening of the walls of the heart muscle, especially the left ventricle. Left ventricle hypertrophy can lead to a violation of the heart rhythm (arrhythmias) and heart failure.

3. Reducing the maximum heart rate: The maximum heart rate that a person can achieve during physical exercises decreases with age. This is due to a decrease in the sensitivity of the heart to adrenaline and other hormones that regulate the heart rate.

4. The accumulation of fat deposits in the heart: With age in the heart muscle and around it, fat deposits can accumulate. This can lead to a violation of the electrical conductivity of the heart and an increase in the risk of arrhythmias.

5. Reduced the function of the sinus node: The sinus node is a natural pacemaker of the heart responsible for generating electrical impulses that regulate the heart rhythm. With age, the function of the sinus node can decrease, which leads to a slowdown in the heart rhythm (bradycardia) or irregular heart rhythm (sinus node weakness syndrome).

6. Increase risk fibrosis: Fibrosis is the formation of cicatricial tissue in the heart muscle. With age, the risk of developing fibrosis increases, which can lead to impaired heart function and an increase in the risk of heart failure.

7. Increase in the susceptibility to inflammation: With age, the immune system becomes less effective, which leads to chronic inflammation in the body. Inflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis, a process in which fat deposits accumulate in the arteries.

II. Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases after 40:

In addition to natural age -related changes, there are many other factors that can increase the risk of CVD development after 40 years.

1. Arterial hypertension: High blood pressure is one of the most common and most significant risk factors of the CVD. It damages the arteries, contributing to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and an increase in the load on the heart.

2. High cholesterol level: The high level of “poor” cholesterol (low density lipoproteins, LDL) and the low level of “good” cholesterol (high density lipoproteins, HDL lipoproteins) contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries.

3. Diabetes sugar: Diabetes significantly increases the risk of CVD. A high blood sugar level damages blood vessels, contributing to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

4. Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure and reduces the level of “good” cholesterol. This is one of the most eliminated risk factors of the SSZ.

5. Obesity: Obesity is associated with an increased cholesterol level, high blood pressure and diabetes – all these are the risk factors of the SSZ.

6. Sedentary lifestyle: The lack of physical activity increases the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, high level of cholesterol and diabetes.

7. Inal meals: Diet with a high content of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and sodium increases the risk of high level of cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity.

8. Stress: Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of CVD.

9. Family history: If you have close relatives suffering from SSZ, your risk of developing these diseases is increasing.

10. Age and Paul: With age, the risk of the development of the SVP is increasing. Men are usually at a greater risk of developing SVD than women, especially to menopause.

11. Race and ethnicity: Some races and ethnic groups, such as African Americans, have a higher risk of CVD.

12. Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, increase the level of triglycerides and increase the risk of heart failure.

13. Chronic diseases: Some chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and autoimmune diseases, can increase the risk of CVD.

III. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases after 40:

The prevention of the SSZ is multifaceted and includes a change in lifestyle, regular medical examinations and, if necessary, drug therapy.

1. Healthy nutrition:

   • Increase in fruits and vegetable consumptions: It is recommended to use at least five portions of fruits and vegetables per day. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that are useful for the health of the heart.
   • The choice of whole grain products: Whole grain products, such as whole grain bread, oatmeal and brown rice, are rich in fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol.
   • Limiting the consumption of saturated and trans fats: Saturated fats are found in fatty meat, butter and cheese. Transfiders are contained in processed foods and fried foods. These fats increase the level of “bad” cholesterol.
   • The choice of low -fat protein sources: Low -fat meat, fish, poultry without skin, legumes and tofu are good sources of protein.
   • Sodium (salt) consumption restriction: High sodium consumption can increase blood pressure. It is recommended to use no more than 2300 mg of sodium per day.
   • Inclusion in the diet of fish, rich omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids contained in oily fish, such as salmon, tuna and herring, are useful for heart health. It is recommended to eat fish at least twice a week.
   • Using useful oils: Olive oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil are useful sources of fat.

2. Regular physical activity:

   • Aerobic exercises: Aerobic exercises, such as walking, running, swimming and cycling, strengthen the heart and improve blood circulation. It is recommended to engage in aerobic exercises of medium intensity of at least 150 minutes a week or intense aerobic exercises of at least 75 minutes a week.
   • Power training: Power training helps increase muscle mass and improve metabolism. It is recommended to engage in strength training at least twice a week.
   • Flexibility and balance: Exercises for flexibility and balance, such as yoga and tai-chi, help improve coordination and reduce the risk of falls.

3. Maintaining a healthy weight:

   • Body mass index (BMI): Support BMI within normal limits (18.5-24.9).
   • The waist circumference: Measure the waist circumference. The waist circumference is more than 102 cm in men and more than 88 cm in women is associated with an increased risk of CVD development.

4. Refusal of smoking:

   • Do not start smoking: If you do not smoke, never start.
   • Quit smoking: If you smoke, quit smoking. There are many resources that will help you quit smoking, including nicotine plasters, chewing gums and consultations.

5. Stress management:

   • Relaxation techniques: Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga to reduce stress.
   • Hobbies and interests: Take a hobby and the interests that you like to distract from stress.
   • Social support: Spend time with friends and family. Social support can help reduce stress.
   • Professional help: If you experience difficulties with stress management, seek professional help to a psychologist or therapist.

6. Regular medical examinations:

   • Measurement of blood pressure: Regularly measure blood pressure.
   • Blood test for cholesterol: Check blood cholesterol.
   • Blood test for sugar: Check the blood sugar level, especially if you have risk factors for the development of diabetes.
   • Electrocardiogram (ECG): ECG can identify heart rate disorders and other heart problems.
   • Consultation with a doctor: Discuss with the doctor your risk of developing the SSZ and draw up a preventive plan.

7. Moderate alcohol consumption:

   • Limiting the amount of alcohol: If you consume alcohol, do it in moderate quantities. For men, this means no more than two portions of alcohol per day, and for women – no more than one portion of alcohol per day.

8. Drug therapy:

   • Statin: Statins are drugs that reduce cholesterol.
   • Antihypertensive drugs: Antihypertensive drugs are drugs that reduce blood pressure.
   • Antiplans: Antiplans, such as aspirin, prevent blood clots.
   • Other drugs: Depending on your health state, the doctor may prescribe other drugs for the prevention or treatment of SVD.

IV. Diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases after 40:

Early diagnosis of SVD is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of complications.

1. Physical examination:

   • Measurement of blood pressure: The doctor will measure your blood pressure to check the presence of arterial hypertension.
   • Auscultation of the heart and lungs: The doctor will listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope to identify noises in the heart or other anomalies.
   • Palpation of the pulse: The doctor will check your pulse on the wrist, neck and feet to evaluate the heart rate and rhythm.
   • Examination for edema: The doctor will check the presence of edema in the legs and ankles, which may be a sign of heart failure.

2. Electrocardiogram (ECG):

   • Evaluation of electrical activity of the heart: The ECG records the electrical activity of your heart and can reveal heart rhythm disturbances, heart muscle damage and other heart problems.

3. Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart):

   • Assessment of the structure and function of the heart: Echocardiography uses ultrasonic waves to create an image of your heart. It allows the doctor to evaluate the size, shape and function of your heart, as well as identify problems with heart valves and other heart structures.

4. Stress test (stress test):

   • Assessment of the reaction of the heart to physical activity: The load test includes physical activity on a treadmill or an exercise bike, while your heart rhythm, blood pressure and ECG are controlled. It can identify signs of coronary heart disease (lack of blood supply to the heart muscle).

5. Computed tomography (CT) of the heart:

   • Visualization of the coronary arteries: CT of the heart uses x -rays to create detailed images of your coronary arteries. It can identify the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries.

6. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart:

   • Assessment of the structure and function of the heart: The MRI of the heart uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your heart. It allows the doctor to evaluate the structure and function of your heart, as well as identify problems with the heart muscle and other heart structures.

7. Coronary angiography:

   • Assessment of the condition of the coronary arteries: Coronary angiography is an invasive procedure in which a catheter is introduced into the arteries, and a contrast medium is introduced into the coronary arteries. This allows the doctor to visualize the arteries and identify the presence of narrowing or trims.

8. Blood tests:

   • Lipid profile: The lipid profile measures the level of cholesterol of LDL, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol.
   • Glucose: Measuring the level of glucose in the blood can detect diabetes.
   • Creatinin and urea: Measurement of the level of creatinine and urea in the blood can detect kidney problems.
   • Troponin: Troponin is a protein that is released into the blood if the heart muscle is damaged. Measurement of the level of troponin can help diagnose a heart attack.
   • NT-proBNP: NT-PROBNP is a hormone that is produced by the heart in response to stretching the heart muscle. NT-PROBNP level measurement can help diagnose heart failure.

V. Treatment of cardiovascular diseases after 40:

The treatment of SVD depends on the type and severity of the disease. It may include a change in lifestyle, drug therapy and surgery.

1. Life change change:

   • Healthy nutrition: Follow a healthy diet with a low content of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium.
   • Regular physical activity: Do with aerobic exercises of medium intensity of at least 150 minutes a week or intense aerobic exercises of at least 75 minutes a week.
   • Maintaining a healthy weight: Support BMI within normal limits.
   • Refusal of smoking: Throw smoking.
   • Stress management: Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga.
   • Moderate alcohol consumption: If you consume alcohol, do it in moderate quantities.

2. Drug therapy:

   • Antihypertensive drugs: Antihypertensive drugs reduce blood pressure. There are several different types of antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptors and calcium channel blockers.
   • Statin: Statins reduce cholesterol.
   • Antiplans: Antiplans prevent blood clots.
   • Beta blockers: Beta blockers slow down the heart rhythm and reduce blood pressure.
   • Calcium channel blockers: Calcium channel blockers reduce blood pressure and expand blood vessels.
   • Diuretics: Diuretics help to remove excess fluid from the body, which reduces blood pressure and relieves symptoms of heart failure.
   • ACE inhibitors: ACE inhibitors expand blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
   • Angiotensin II receptor blockers: Angiotensin II receptor blockers expand blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
   • Nitrate: Nitrates expand blood vessels and relieve chest pain (angina pectoris).
   • Antiarrhythmic drugs: Antiarrhythmic drugs help regulate the heart rhythm.
   • Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants prevent blood clots.

3. Surgical intervention:

   • Angioplasty and stenting: Angioplasty and stenting are procedures that are used to open blocked coronary arteries. During angioplasty, a catheter with a cylinder at the end is introduced into the artery. The cylinder swells to expand the artery. Then a stent is installed in the artery to maintain it open.
   • Shunting of coronary arteries: Shunting of the coronary arteries is a surgical operation in which a blocked coronary artery costs. A vein or artery from another part of the body is used to create a bypass path around the blocked artery.
   • Cold valve replacement: Cold valve replacement is a surgical operation in which a damaged heart valve is replaced by an artificial valve or an animal fabric valve.
   • Implantation Cardio stimulator: A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted under the skin in the chest. He sends electrical impulses to the heart to regulate the heart rhythm.
   • Implantation cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): ICD is a small device that is implanted under the skin in the chest. It monitors the heart rhythm and sends an electric shock to the heart if he detects dangerous arrhythmia.
   • Heart transplantation: Heart transplantation is a surgical operation in which a sick heart is replaced by a healthy heart from the donor.

VI. Specific heart diseases requiring attention after 40:

Some heart diseases require special attention after 40 years due to their increased prevalence or seriousness of the consequences.

1. Corny heart (coronary heart disease):

   • Reasons: IBS is caused by atherosclerosis – the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood.
   • Symptoms: Angina pectoris (chest pain), shortness of breath, fatigue.
   • Diagnosis: ECG, load test, coronary angiography.
   • Treatment: Change in lifestyle, drug therapy (statins, antiplatelets, beta-blockers, nitrates), angioplasty and stenting, shunting coronary arteries.

2. Arterial hypertension (hypertension):

   • Reasons: Life lifestyle factors (improper nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse), genetic predisposition, chronic diseases (kidney disease, endocrine disorders).
   • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic in the early stages. Headaches, dizziness, ears, nasal bleeding.
   • Diagnosis: Measurement of blood pressure.
   • Treatment: Change in lifestyle, drug therapy (diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers).

3. Heart failure:

   • Reasons: IBS, arterial hypertension, cardiomyopathy, heart defects, arrhythmias.
   • Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, cough, weight gain.
   • Diagnosis: Echocardiography, ECG, analysis of the krovi on NT-proBNP.
   • Treatment: Change in lifestyle, drug therapy (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II, beta-blockers, digoxin receptors), pacemaker implantation, heart transplantation.

4. Arrhythmias:

   • Reasons: IBS, arterial hypertension, cardiomyopathy, heart defects, electrolyte imbalance, the use of certain drugs.
   • Symptoms: Heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain.
   • Diagnosis: ECG, Holter Monitoring ECG, electrophysiological research.
   • Treatment: Drug therapy (antiarrhythmic drugs), cardioversion, ablation, pacemaker implantation, implantation of the cardiverter-defibrillator.

5. Heart defects:

   • Reasons: Congenital heart defects, rheumatic heart disease, degenerative changes in the heart valves.
   • Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, noise in the heart.
   • Diagnosis: Echocardiography.
   • Treatment: Drug therapy, surgical correction of heart disease.

VII. The role of genetics and family history:

Genetics plays a significant role in the predisposition to the CVD. People with a family history of the SSZ, especially if the disease has manifested at an early age in close relatives (up to 55 years in men and up to 65 years in women), have increased risk. It is important to inform your doctor about a family history so that he can evaluate your individual risk and develop an appropriate preventive plan. Genetic testing can be useful in some cases to detect genetic mutations associated with the SVD.

VIII. Psychological aspects of heart health:

Mental health is closely related to the physical health of the heart. Stress, anxiety, depression and social isolation can negatively affect the cardiovascular system. It is important to pay attention to psychological well -being, using relaxation methods, engaged in physical activity, supporting social ties and seeking professional help if necessary. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT) and other types of psychotherapy can be effective in managing stress and improving the psychological health of the heart.

IX. The importance of rehabilitation of the heart:

Heart rehabilitation is a comprehensive program aimed at restoring and maintaining heart health after a heart attack, heart surgery or other cardiovascular diseases. It includes physical exercises, educational classes in a healthy lifestyle and psychological support. The rehabilitation of the heart helps to improve the function of the heart, reduce the risk of repeated cardiovascular events and improve the quality of life.

X. Additional factors affecting the health of the heart after 40:

• Dream: The lack of sleep (less than 7-8 hours a day) is associated with an increased risk of arterial hypertension, diabetes and obesity.
• Apna of sleep: Apna of sleep is a disorder in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. It is associated with an increased risk of arterial hypertension, arrhythmias and heart failure.
• Chronic inflammatory diseases: Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, can increase the risk of CVD.
• Some drugs: Some drugs, such as non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of SVD.

XI. Alternative and complementary treatment methods:

Although traditional medicine plays a key role in the treatment of SVD, some alternative and complementary methods can be useful as an addition to the main treatment. It is important to discuss any alternative methods of treatment with your doctor in order to make sure their safety and effectiveness.

• Meditation and yoga: They can help reduce stress and blood pressure.
• Iglowerie (acupuncture): It can help relieve pain and improve blood circulation.
• Biologically active additives (dietary supplements): Some dietary supplements, such as Q10 coenzyme, fish oil and garlic, can be useful for heart health, but additional studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.

XII. New directions in the study and treatment of heart disease:

The science of heart health is constantly developing, and new methods of diagnosis and treatment appear. Some of the promising areas of research include:

• Genetic therapy: For the treatment of genetic heart diseases.
• Regenerative medicine: To restore damaged heart tissue.
• Personalized medicine: To develop individual treatment plans based on genetic and other factors.
• Development of new drugs: For a more effective treatment of SSZ with fewer side effects.

Maintaining heart health after 40 years requires an integrated approach, including a change in lifestyle, regular medical examinations and, if necessary, drug therapy. Remember that prevention is the key to a long and healthy life. Cooperate with your doctor to develop an individual prevention and treatment plan that meets your needs and goals.