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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding 'Heart Age'
Introduction
'Heart Age' is a concept used to express the overall health of your cardiovascular system in a simple and understandable way. It compares your actual age to the estimated age of your heart and blood vessels based on risk factors for heart disease.
How is 'Heart Age' Calculated?
Your heart age is estimated using factors such as: - Blood Pressure : High blood pressure increases the strain on your heart. - Cholesterol Levels : High cholesterol contributes to artery narrowing. - Smoking Status : Smoking accelerates arterial damage. - Diabetes : High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time. - Body Mass Index (BMI) : Excess weight increases cardiovascular risk. - Physical Activity Levels : Regular exercise lowers heart disease risk. - Family History : Genetic predisposition can influence your heart health.
Why is 'Heart Age' Important?
A higher heart age compared to your actual age suggests an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and early mortality. Understanding your heart age helps motivate lifestyle changes to improve your cardiovascular health.
How to Lower Your Heart Age:
- Adopt a Healthy Diet : Increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Exercise Regularly : At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Quit Smoking : Reduces the risk of heart disease dramatically.
- Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol : Through lifestyle adjustments and, if needed, medications.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight : Lowers strain on the heart.
- Control Stress : Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health.
Conclusion
Your heart age reflects your cardiovascular risk. By making smart lifestyle choices, you can keep your heart younger and healthier, reducing the likelihood of heart disease in the future.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiovascular Prevention
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/how-to-help-prevent-heart-disease-at-any-age
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/prevent-heart-disease-and-stroke
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-Prevention-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.