Ageing Heart: Signs To Watch Out For

By Varun Verma
27 May 2023, 16:00 IST

As you age, your bodies go through various changes, including changes in the cardiovascular system. Here are seven signs that may indicate your heart is ageing.

Shortness Of Breath

As the heart ages, it may not pump blood efficiently, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to the body. This can result in breathlessness, especially during physical activity.

Fatigue

Since ageing affects your heart's ability to pump blood effectively, it leads to reduced stamina and increased fatigue.

Irregular Heartbeat

With age, the heart's electrical system may become less reliable, leading to irregular heart rhythms, such as arrhythmias. This can result in a sensation of palpitations in the chest.

Chest Pain

As your heart ages, there may be an increased risk of developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) or atherosclerosis, which can cause chest pain or discomfort known as angina. This pain may be triggered by physical activity or emotional stress.

Swelling In The Extremities

Age your heart ages and losses its pumping ability, there are chances that your body may retain more fluid, causing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen.

Reduced Exercise Tolerance

With an ageing heart, physical activities that were previously manageable may become more challenging due to reduced cardiovascular fitness.

Increased Heart Rate at Rest

While your heart rate naturally tends to decrease with age, an ageing heart may exhibit an increased heart rate at rest. This could be due to changes in the heart's electrical system or other factors affecting its function.

It is important to note that these signs can also be associated with various other medical conditions, and their presence does not definitively indicate an ageing heart. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.