As the heart ages, it may need to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Although some changes in the heart and circulation system are normal with aging, other changes can lead to heart disease and related problems, including heart attack and stroke. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and men over 65. Classic signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and nausea or lightheadedness. It’s important to note that women experiencing a heart attack may have less prominent chest pain, and more sweating, shortness of breath, sudden debilitating fatigue, and pain in the jaw, arms, back, or stomach. Stroke symptoms include face drooping, speech difficulty, and arm weakness. If you experience any of these, call 911.
The good news is that you can lower your heart disease risk with a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. It’s also important to have regular visits with your doctor to have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked, as many heart-related conditions do not have any noticeable symptoms.
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