Our heart is a fist-sized muscle that pumps blood and fresh oxygen to all parts of our body, then returns the blood to the heart for an oxygen refill. It seems simple but this small organ is vital to keeping us healthy.
As we age our heart tends to become a little less efficient, meaning it doesn’t beat as fast. Our maximum heart rate (MHR), which determines how well our heart functions while exercising, decreases (220-age= MHR). When we are at rest our heart can pump as well as a younger heart. The problem arises when an older person exercises and the heart needs to work harder to get the oxygen to the rest of the body.
Why does this happen?
Should we find this discouraging? No! Does this mean that heart disease is inevitable? No! It is part of the normal process of aging, but we can take steps to keep our heart functioning efficiently.
What can we do?
Following these tips as well as keeping a positive outlook can help maintain heart health through the “golden” years.