Is Your Heart Older Than You? 5 Things That Prematurely Age Your Heart Heart Health Family Health Men's Health Women's Health
On your next birthday, add seven candles to your cake to account for your heart age. That’s how much older the average adult heart is compared to its chronical age, thanks to these five things:
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- excess body weight
- inactivity
- smoking
If you’ve been assuming your heart is aging right along with the rest of you, check this out: A 45-year-old, diabetic smoker with high blood pressure can have 75-year-old heart. But here’s the good news: Unlike real age, this one is adjustable, so when a 50-year-old smoker quits, they lower their heart age by 14 years.
Don’t let your old heart age the rest of you. Three out of four heart attacks are caused by some combination of these risk factors, so work with your provider to address the things that are putting added strain on your heart.
Note: The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.
Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.