What happens to your heart as you age? 

Many changes take place in the heart as we get older, but there are ways we can counter these effects to stay healthy

It’s recommended that you have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked at 40 - and annually as you get older.  Picture: iStock 

As we mature, it’s easy to notice the changes we can see — such as shifts in our skin, muscle tone, or hair colour — but far less obvious are the changes happening beneath the surface, particularly in the heart.

We spoke with consultant cardiologist Dr Anish Bhuva to find out what structural and functional changes the heart can undergo as we get older. He also shares practical advice on how to counter some of these effects to help keep your heart healthy and resilient well into later life.