How to protect your heart after 40

Heart health becomes an increasing priority with age. After the age of 40, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases significantly, which is why adopting a healthy lifestyle and regular monitoring become essential. At Elytiswe are dedicated to your heart health, offering comprehensive cardiology services, from thorough assessments to personalized treatments.

Cardiovascular risk factors and how to manage them

With age, certain cardiovascular risk factors become more pronounced. These include:

• High blood pressure: high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Regular monitoring and a healthy lifestyle can help keep blood pressure within normal limits. At Elytiswe offer Holter BP/EKG monitoring services, which allow an accurate assessment of blood pressure over 24, 48 or 72 hours.
• High cholesterol: elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (the 'bad' cholesterol) can lead to the build-up of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Regular blood tests can assess cholesterol levels and guide the treatment plan.
• Diabetes: diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Blood glucose control through diet, exercise and medication is crucial.
• Smoking: smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack. Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your heart.
• Physical inactivity: lack of regular physical activity contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Managing risk factors:

The Elytisour team of experienced cardiologists can help you identify and manage these risk factors. We offer:

• Thorough cardiology consultations
• Complete blood tests
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Echocardiograms
• Stress test

Recommended diet and exercise for heart health

Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential to keep your heart healthy:

• Diet:
  • Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.
  • Choose whole grains.
  • Include oily fish in your diet at least twice a week.
  • Limit red meat, processed foods and sweetened drinks.
  • Reduce your salt intake.
• Exercise:
  • Get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.
  • Include aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming or cycling.
  • Add strength exercises twice a week.

The role of regular blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring

Regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol is essential for early detection of cardiovascular problems. At Elytiswe offer comprehensive monitoring services:

• Holter BP/EKG monitoring: This method allows you to monitor blood pressure and heart rate over 24, 48 or 72 hours, providing valuable information about cardiovascular function.
• Blood tests: Regular blood tests can assess levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and other markers of cardiovascular health.

Why choose Elytis for your heart health?

• Advanced technology and top expertise
• Treatment tailored to individual needs
• Collaborative approach with specialists from different fields
• Prevention and continuing education
• Highly qualified medical team

Protecting your heart after 40 requires a constant commitment to a healthy lifestyle and regular monitoring. At Elytis, we are with you every step of the way, offering comprehensive and personalized services to maintain cardiovascular health.

Latest medical review:

16.03.2025, Dr. Irina Afrăsânie - Medical Specialist

References:

• Casas, Rosa, et. al. "Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018, vol. 19, no. 12.
• Dal Canto, Elisa, et. al. "Diabetes as a cardiovascular risk factor: An overview of global trends of macro and micro vascular complications". European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2019, vol. 26, no. 2, pg. 25 - 32.
• Gallucci, Giuseppina, et. al. "Cardiovascular risk of smoking and benefits of smoking cessation". Journal of Thoracic Disease, 2020, vol. 12, no. 7.
• Kondo, Takahisa, Nakano, Yoshihisa, Adachi, Shiro, Murohara, Toyoaki. "Effects of Tobacco Smoking on Cardiovascular Disease." Circulation Journal, 2019, vol. 83, no. 10, pg. 1980 - 1985.
• Song, Yongfeng, et. al. "Cholesterol-induced toxicity: An integrated view of the role of cholesterol in multiple diseases". Perspectives, vol. 33, no. 10, pg. 1911 - 1925.