Aging Changes in the Heart and Blood Vessels

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Prevention

You can help your circulatory system (heart and blood vessels). Heart disease risk factors that you have some control over include high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, and smoking.

• Eat a "heart-healthy" diet with reduced amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol, and control your weight. Follow your health care provider's recommendations for treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. Minimize or stop smoking.
• Moderate exercise is one of the best things you can do to keep your heart, and the rest of your body, healthy. Consult with your health provider before beginning a new exercise program. Exercise moderately and within your capabilities, but do it regularly.
• People who exercise have less body fat and smoke less, have less blood pressure problems and less heart disease than people who do not exercise.
• Exercise helps prevent obesity and helps people with diabetes control their blood sugar.
• Exercise maintains your maximum abilities as much as possible and reduces stress.