How to keep your heart strong
Learn to spot common heart health problems, plus tips for taking care of your heart.
Your heart is one of the most important parts of your body. It pumps blood to all your organs and keeps you alive and active. But just like any other part of your body, your heart needs special care to stay healthy.
Here’s a guide to some common heart problems. Plus, how to take care of your heart and what to do if something feels off.
Common heart problems for older adults
High blood pressure (hypertension): This happens when the force of your blood pushing through your blood vessels is too strong. Over time, it can damage your blood vessels and lead to problems like heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and more.
Heart disease: This can mean many different problems, like:
- Blocked arteries (when fat and cholesterol build up and block blood flow)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart attacks
High cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fat that can build up in your arteries and block blood flow. Think of it like a clogged pipe. If it gets too full, blood can’t pass through easily, which can hurt your heart.
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Heart-health screenings to consider
Just like you go to the dentist to check on your teeth, you need to go to your primary care provider (PCP) to check on your heart. Your PCP can make sure your heart is healthy by running tests, like a:
- Blood pressure check: Measures how hard your blood is pushing in your arteries
- Cholesterol test: Checks how much cholesterol is in your blood
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): a test that checks your heart's electrical activity
Getting these screenings regularly can catch problems before they turn into bigger issues.
Common heart-health medicines
Sometimes, if your heart isn’t as healthy as it should be, your provider might prescribe medicine to help. Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you. Here are two common types of medicines that help keep your heart healthy.
Statins (for high cholesterol): These medicines help lower the amount of cholesterol in your blood. This can help stop your arteries from clogging.
Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) antagonists (for high blood pressure): This medicine helps lower your blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow.
Symptoms related to heart health
Sometimes, your heart might give you signs that something isn’t right. Listen to your body and know where to go for help. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency room:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fainting or sudden dizziness
Heart health tips
Taking care of your heart can be easy if you follow some simple steps:
- Eat nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.
- Cut back on salty foods. They can raise blood pressure.
- Stay active by walking or doing any kind of exercise you enjoy.
- Don’t smoke and try to stay away from people who are smoking. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.
- See your primary care provider (PCP) for regular check-ups and screenings.
Tips to get a better blood pressure reading
Whether you’re checking your blood pressure at home or the doctor’s office, there are ways to get a more accurate reading. Follow these tips from the American Heart Association:
- Avoid smoking, exercise, caffeine and alcohol for at least 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
- If you can, empty your bladder before taking your blood pressure.
- Put the cuff on your bare arm, not over clothing.
- Sit upright with your back supported and your feet flat on the ground. Don’t cross your legs.
- Rest your arm on a flat surface at heart level.
- Relax and sit calmly for a few minutes without talking before you start your measurement.
- Take at least two readings, waiting a minute or two between each measurement.
Your provider can guide you on how often to check your blood pressure at home. Be sure to write down all your measurements and share them with your PCP.
See our sources
Blood pressure tips: American Heart Association
