Elderly and heart health: Doctor explains why regular screening after 60 is a must

High blood pressure and diabetes are often invisible until they cause serious harm — here’s why regular screening and lifestyle changes are key to heart health after 60. (Image: Pexels)

Aging is a natural process that confers wisdom, experience and resilience — but it also brings physical changes to the heart and blood vessels. Of all the organs affected by aging, it is the heart that best symbolizes both life and vulnerability. After the age of 60, the risk for developing CVD ( Cardiovascular Disease) is already significantly higher. This added risk comes from both the typical wear and tear of blood vessels and accompanying health problems that often go undetected until problems develop.

Two of these conditions — high blood pressure and diabetes — are often referred to as “silent threats” because they can quietly build for years without producing visible symptoms. Unrestrained, they go on to contribute in potent ways to heart disease, stroke and heart failure. Unfortunately, the risks are not well known to many seniors until it is too late.

The good news is that both of these risks can be reduced the earlier they’re caught. Regular screening, mindfulness and lifestyle changes can make a difference along the way by empowering older adults to maintain independence, vitality, and quality of life. Dr Vaibhav Mishra, Senior Director- CTVS, Cardiac Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, says “I always tell my patients—“The best time to protect the heart was yesterday and the next best time is today.”

Also Read: Cardiologist shares 4 simple ways to keep your arteries healthy without medication

Hypertension: The Silent Killer

The silent killer, also known as high blood pressure, damages blood vessels and causes the heart to work harder. Over time, this results in weakened heart muscle and increased risks of stroke and heart attack. A lot of older folks don’t find out that they are hypertensive until it becomes a problem and thus you should have regular pressure checks.

Diabetes: Invisible Harm to the Heart

Diabetes can lead to atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries as a result of cholesterol and plaque. It also disrupts the metabolism of fats, and weakens blood vessel linings. And beyond the heart, diabetes raises risk of kidney failure and of nerve damage — both burdens on the cardiovascular system.

The Value of Regular Screening

Screening serves as a safety net after 60. Blood pressure testing (measurement of fasting blood sugar, HbA1c) cholesterol panels, ECGs and echocardiography can be fairly good indicators of significant problems in the early stages. Discovering risks before symptoms develop gives doctors and patients the chance to refuse some mishappenings.

Age-Related Heart Changes

Aging by itself, even in the absence of comorbidities conditions, influences the cardiovascular system. Arteries lose their springiness, heart valves stiffen, and electrical signals that control the heartbeat may go haywire. These changes emphasize the importance of continued medical supervision and prevention-based health care.

Prevention Over Cure

It takes more than medicine to maintain heart health — it also takes people making the right lifestyle choices. Regular exercise, good food, and stress relaxation techniques and quit smoking. Prevention saves not only lives but also independence, mobility and quality of life.

Also Read: Surgeon warns of side effects of ‘scrolling till 2 am’; here’s how it impacts your health

FAQs on Ageing and Heart Health

1. How does ageing affect the heart?
- Ageing leads to changes such as reduced elasticity of arteries, stiffening of heart valves, and potential erratic electrical signals controlling the heartbeat.

2. What are the risks of heart disease in older adults?
- After 60, the risks include high blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart failure.

3. How can seniors prevent heart disease?
- Seniors can reduce the risks through regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices like exercise, balanced diet, and stress management.

4. What should seniors regularly screen for?
- Regular screenings should include blood pressure tests, fasting blood sugar measurements, HbA1c, cholesterol panels, ECGs, and echocardiography.

5. Why are high blood pressure and diabetes considered silent threats?
- They develop unnoticed for years and can lead to severe complications like heart disease, stroke, and heart failure without visible symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.