Heart is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of the human anatomy, playing central role in the healthy working of the body. The muscular organ is responsible for some of the most indispensable biological activities in the human body such as blood circulation throughout the body, supplying oxygen and other nutrients to the tissues, etc.

Since heart is of such extreme importance, its relation with aging is a common subject of curiosity among students, particularly non-biology ones. Covering this issue, an AMRI Hospitals cardiology specialist opines, “The human heart and blood vessels undergo several changes with age, mainly due to modifiable factors. These might lead to heart disorders, if not taken proper care.”

Heart and Age

Over 60 people are more likely to suffer heart attack and heart stoke than younger people. A number of times, they might attract heart failure. According to multiple medical researches, heart diseases are major cause of disability that impacts the overall quality of life of millions of people. What actually happens as one gets old is the pace of heartbeat during physical work gets impacted quite significantly. However, the heart rate remains unaffected to some extent.

Cardiac diseases development

As a person grows old, the body gets stagnant when it comes to physical activity. This often results in the deposition of fats in the walls of arteries, blocking the passage of blood. A majority of times, the large arteries develop arteriosclerosis, the condition of increased stiffness in the vessel. Since this blocks the smooth passage of blood and the red liquid has to pass through the vessels with more pressure, paving way for hypertension.

Over the course of time, if not cared with substantial attention, muscles of the heart can get damaged, or at least weakened. Increase in the size of heart has often been observed in aged bodies, explain medical practitioners at AMRI Hospitals.

Keeping the heart in good health?

“There is hardly a better way to keep the heart healthy than being physically active. Give at least 15-30 minutes to physical activities – running, walking, sports (if the body allows), bicycling, dancing, etc.,” suggests the expert at AMRI Hospital Ltd. Quitting smoking and alcohol is another fine suggestion many doctors give, in addition to following a nutritious diet.