Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for people age 65 and older? Studies show that almost 75% of older adults face a higher chance of heart attack or heart failure. These numbers may feel scary, but they do not have to define your story. You can stay heart-smart by making simple, steady choices, as discussed below.
Your primary care provider should be your go-to for all things heart health. They’ll help you track your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar—all of which play a big role in preventing heart attack and stroke.
If you’re at risk of AFib, your doctor might recommend tests to monitor your heart rhythm. Early detection is everything. And if you already have AFib, regular care helps you stay one step ahead of blood clotting, which is what often leads to stroke.
Friendly tip: Don’t wait for symptoms. Just schedule regular check-ins. Preventative care beats emergency care every time.
Your lifestyle plays a big role in how your heart functions. A healthy lifestyle has been shown to promote heart health. Here’s how to embrace a healthy lifestyle and why it’s important:
A heart-healthy diet keeps your heart healthy and strong. It helps lower your cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce your risk of heart failure or stroke. A healthy diet comprises of:
In addition to your diet, you also need to work out to get the blood flowing nicely. And this doesn’t have to be strenuous. Just brisk walking for 20 to 30 minutes a day can:
Other great options include light stretching, dancing in your living room, yoga, or even water aerobics. If it gets your heart rate up, it’s doing its job.
Bonus: Regular physical activity also helps reduce the risk of stroke, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with AFib.
Carrying extra weight, especially around the belly, can raise your risk for high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure—all of which can lead to stroke or heart attack. Even losing 5 to 10 pounds can make a big difference for your heart. If weight loss feels overwhelming, just start small:
You’ll feel better and your heart will too.
If your doctor has prescribed medication—whether it’s for AFib, high blood pressure, or to prevent blood clotting—don’t skip doses or stop taking them without asking.
Some common myths include:
We all picture heart attacks the same way—sudden chest pain, clutching your arm, struggling to breathe. And yes, those can be signs. But not always.
Sometimes, heart attacks are completely silent. About 45% of heart attacks show no clear symptoms at all. You might not feel chest pain. You might feel a little tired or dizzy—or nothing. These are called “silent” heart attacks, and many people don’t realize they’ve had one until a doctor finds it during a checkup for something else.
This one is everywhere—and it’s wrong.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. It doesn’t play favorites. In fact, many women miss the signs of heart trouble because they assume it’s not something they need to worry about. But the truth is, women are just as likely as men to develop heart disease, and the symptoms can show up differently.
Women might feel more fatigue, lightheadedness, or nausea instead of the “classic” chest pain. So don’t ignore what your body is telling you. It’s always worth checking in with your doctor if something feels off.
Having a family history of heart problems can be scary—but it doesn’t mean it’s your fate. Yes, your genetics matter. But your choices matter more.
You can reduce your risk by taking care of yourself. That means eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active, managing your cholesterol levels and blood sugar, and not smoking. Those things can lower your chances of heart problems—even if they run in the family.
Most of us have felt our heart skip a beat now and then—maybe after climbing stairs too fast, getting nervous, or even drinking too much caffeine. That’s normal, but not all irregular heartbeats are harmless.
If your heart races, feels like its fluttering, or beats out of rhythm often, it could be a sign of something more serious—like AFib (atrial fibrillation). AFib can increase your risk of stroke and other heart problems, especially if you’re 65 or older.
So, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t brush it off. A quick checkup can help you figure out what’s going on—and if there’s anything you need to do about it.
Not true at all.
Getting older doesn’t mean your heart is doomed. Yes, your risk for things like heart failure or stroke goes up with age—but many older adults still have strong, healthy hearts. And that’s not just luck. It’s the result of smart, consistent habits.
When you eat well, stay active, manage stress, and keep up with your checkups, you give your heart the best chance to stay healthy—no matter your age.
This one’s easy to believe, especially if you’ve been told “your numbers just go up with age.” But that doesn’t mean you have to live with high cholesterol.
Your body may change as you age, but much of your heart health is still in control. Eating more fruits and vegetables, choosing healthier fats, losing weight (if needed), and moving your body can all help lower your cholesterol levels—without needing medication in some cases.
Even small changes add up. Your numbers aren’t set in stone.
There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to heart health—especially if you’re 65 or older. Thanks to new research, doctors are finding better ways to prevent stroke, manage AFib, and treat heart failure.
Clinical trials are leading the charge, testing safer, more effective, and more personalized therapies to your age and health history. And the best part? These breakthroughs are happening right now. Some treatments focus on lowering stroke risk without heavy blood thinners, while others explore how to help your heart pump better or manage cholesterol and blood sugar more naturally.
If you want more options—or just want to stay ahead—it’s worth exploring clinical trials. Companies like Science 37 make it easy to join a study without leaving home. It’s a simple, safe way to access cutting-edge care while helping shape the future of heart health. We’re in a new era where aging doesn’t mean slowing down—it means getting smarter, staying informed, and giving your heart the best shot at staying strong for years to come.
