How Your Heart Changes With Age: Expert Cardiologist Explains Key Transformations
As we journey through life, the visible signs of ageing often capture our attention – the subtle lines on our skin, the gradual shift in muscle tone, or the changing hue of our hair. Yet, far more profound transformations are occurring beneath the surface, particularly within the vital organ that sustains us: the heart. To mark Heart Health Month this February, we consulted with Dr Anish Bhuva, a distinguished consultant cardiologist at HCA Healthcare UK The Wellington Hospital, to explore the structural and functional changes the heart undergoes as we mature. He also provides invaluable, practical guidance on how to mitigate these effects, empowering you to maintain a healthy and resilient heart well into your later years.
The Ageing Heart: Key Structural and Functional Shifts
Heart Muscle Can Decrease in Size
"Across the entire body, muscles tend to lose mass over time, and we are becoming increasingly conscious of efforts to slow this decline," explains Dr Bhuva. "The heart, being a muscle itself, is no exception to this process. There are also subtle alterations within the heart muscle tissue, causing it to become thinner with advancing age. While this thinning typically does not cause significant harm on its own, it is a clear, observable marker of the ageing process within the cardiovascular system."
Risk of Aortic Stenosis Increases
"Your heart contains four valves that open and close with every single heartbeat throughout your lifetime," Dr Bhuva notes. "Their primary function is to ensure efficient blood flow and prevent any backward leakage." However, as you grow older, the aortic valve – a crucial gateway – can become narrowed, impairing its function. This condition, known as aortic stenosis, is detailed on the British Heart Foundation's website. "Over decades, much like an engine in a car, the heart valve experiences wear and tear," says Dr Bhuva. "It can gradually degenerate, with calcium deposits accumulating, leading to increased stiffness and thickness. This ultimately hinders the valve's ability to open properly, potentially obstructing blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body."
Blood Vessels and Arteries Can Become Stiffer
"A hallmark of vascular ageing is the stiffening of the aorta and other blood vessels," Dr Bhuva states. "When these vessels lose their elasticity, it significantly elevates the risk of developing serious conditions such as stroke and various forms of heart disease."
Heart Rate Response During Physical Activity Diminishes
"You may notice that your heart rate cannot accelerate as rapidly during physical exertion as it could in your youth," observes Dr Bhuva. "While most individuals adapt to this change, for some, it can lead to symptomatic issues that may require medical support, such as the implantation of a pacemaker."
Wear and Tear of the Heart's Electrical System
"With the passage of time, the electrical wiring within the heart can also experience degradation," adds the cardiologist. "Although this often remains asymptomatic, it can, for certain individuals, result in abnormally slow or fast heart rhythms. Symptoms might include a fluttering sensation in the chest, episodes of dizziness or blacking out, or in some cases, no noticeable signs at all."
Heightened Risk of Heart Attacks
"The most prevalent risk factor for experiencing a heart attack is simply age," Dr Bhuva emphasises. "Regrettably, the likelihood of a heart attack increases as we progress into middle age and beyond. This stark reality underscores the critical importance of being proactive. Identifying and addressing lifestyle factors that may be accelerating the ageing and degenerative processes within your heart is paramount."
Practical Strategies to Combat Age-Related Heart Changes
Quit Smoking
"If you have concerns about a family history of heart disease, the foremost action is to cease smoking," advises Dr Bhuva. "Smoking inflicts damage upon the arteries and facilitates the build-up of cholesterol plaque, which can severely compromise cardiovascular health."
Monitor Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
"Ensure you are regularly monitoring your cholesterol and blood pressure," Dr Bhuva recommends. "Upon reaching the age of 40, we advocate for a comprehensive health check with your GP to assess blood pressure, cholesterol, and all other common risk factors. For older adults, an annual review of these metrics is highly advisable."
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet
"Your daily intake of five portions of fruit and vegetables is superbly important," says Dr Bhuva. "Strive to consume less red meat and incorporate more oily fish into your diet, as this is exceptionally beneficial for managing cholesterol levels. Additionally, make a concerted effort to minimise your consumption of artificial sugars and processed foods."
Incorporate Regular Physical Activity
"The most advantageous step you can take is to initiate movement in any form that is accessible to you," Dr Bhuva encourages. "There is no necessity to run a marathon annually; consistent, modest levels of exercise, such as a daily walk, can yield profound benefits. Physical activity aids in slowing the ageing process within the cardiovascular system through a multitude of interconnected mechanisms, enhancing overall heart resilience and function."
