The elderly should not strain their heart if not fit,say doctors

“Ideally,people above 70 should not undertake very heavy physical regime. Walks should be mild to moderate. We advise patients not to start heavy cardiac activity suddenly. If they are already in an exercise regime,they should not to stop it suddenly,” says Dr Yash Pal of the PGI’s cardiology department.

The sudden collapse is most commonly seen as due to the blockage of arteries. This can happen even when there is a “milder” 30 to 40 per cent blockage,which does not show any symptom in daily life. “There may not be any symptom even if the blockage in arteries is up to 70 per cent. In the absence of routine check-ups,this may lead the people to believe that they have a perfectly working heart. Now,if a person (who does not know about his mild blockage) takes up heavy physical work,the tension may lead the platelets to clot the arteries where the blockage already exists,which results in a sudden collapse,” added the cardiologist.

With the unpredictability and the asymptomatic traits of most heart ailments,the only solution recommended by the doctors is to have a regular heart check-up.

“We recommend that a patient should get his heart checked regularly so that any blockage can be detected in time. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels should be monitored on regular basis to see if the patient is in the high-risk group. Those with a family history of cardiac problems should be more particular about tests,” said a cardiologist based in Mohali. Apart from those above 50 years of age,those suffering from diabetes,chronic hypertension and regular smokers also form the high-risk population.

Tips for a healthy heart in the elderly
Go slow on physical regime if you are above 70,do not start any strenuous work suddenly or without any warm-up
Go in for regular heart check-up and monitoring of BP and cholesterol level after the age of 50
Do not start or stop any exercise regime suddenly