Your heart arteries age before your skin does, says cardiologist. He explains how to slow the process

The wrinkling of your skin, or greying of your hair, may be the first signs of ageing for you, but according to Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, a cardiologist, the real story starts much deeper- in the arteries of your heart. In his latest Instagram post, titled “5 things you did not know about slowing ageing after 45”, Dr Bhojraj explained that ageing is not just about skin and hair. It is also about your heart, hormones and cells. While you cannot stop ageing, you can definitely slow the process down, and the doctor shares how.

Dr Bhojraj said that most people assume the tiredness, weight gain, and brain fog that hit after 45 are just a part of getting older. However, the doctor begs to differ and shared that true ageing begins inside at the cellular and cardiovascular levels. As per him, your arteries actually age before your skin does. When blood flow slows down, the cells repair themselves less efficiently, which speeds up visible ageing, too.

He further pointed out that fatigue or mood swings are symptoms of hormonal imbalances rather than age itself. Hormones like testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, and cortisol all affect how the heart, metabolism, and mind function. That’s why, he said, it’s important to “test, not guess” when it comes to understanding the changes in the body.


Low-grade inflammation, Dr Bhojraj added, is yet another silent culprit that accelerates ageing from within. It damages arteries, joints, and even the mitochondria — the energy factories in your cells. So what is the best way to combat it? The doctor suggests taking care of your gut, cutting down on processed foods, and managing stress to prevent this internal “rusting” effect.

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A post shared by Sanjay Bhojraj MD | Functional Medicine Doctor (@doctorsanjaymd)

He also highlighted the importance of muscle as we age. After 45, muscle isn’t just for aesthetics. it helps regulate insulin, supports heart health, and keeps the body strong and balanced.

And finally, the most underrated anti-ageing secret, according to him, is sleep. Deep, restorative sleep is when your body repairs itself, balances hormones, and regenerates cells — something no supplement can replace. Dr Bhojraj summed it up simply — when you care for your heart, hormones, and cells, you don’t just add years to your life, you make those years feel truly alive.

How else to boost heart health?

According to Mayo Clinic, a few simple lifestyle habits can go a long way in boosting heart health. Move your body daily — aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise a week through walking, swimming, or dancing. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting sugar, salt, and saturated fats. Maintain a healthy weight, don’t smoke, and manage stress through meditation, therapy, or physical activity. Getting 7–9 hours of sleep each night supports heart repair and recovery. Mayo Clinic also advises keeping conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol under control, as unmanaged health issues can harm your heart over time.