While cardiovascular disease (CVD) can affect us at any point in our lives, the chances of developing heart issues tend to increase with age. The good news is early detection and lifestyle changes can make a big difference in the development and progression of such diseases.
Learn about the symptoms and signs of heart conditions in older adults and the importance of regular health checkups.
Recognizing the Signs of Heart Disease in Older Adults
If you or your loved one experiences any of the following signs of CVD, consult a doctor:
- Angina: Chest pain is one of the most typical symptoms when the heart isn’t getting enough blood or when someone is having a heart attack. While some people might experience an intense, crushing pain, others only notice slight discomfort.
- Shortness of breath: When the heart struggles to pump properly, it can cause blood to back up into the vessels from the lungs. Fluid can leak into the lungs, making it difficult to breathe — this is a common sign of heart failure. Someone might experience shortness of breath when they’re active or at rest.
- Fatigue and weakness: Older adults may find that they’re more tired than usual. Being so run down that one is unable to perform their daily activities or experiencing a sudden loss of strength could point to something more serious.
- Edema: Another thing to watch out for is swelling in the lower legs, known as edema, which can be caused by congestive heart failure. If the heart isn’t pumping as efficiently as it should, blood flow can slow down, backing up into the veins and leading to a build up of fluid in the tissues. There may also be some swelling around your belly or unexplained weight gain.
- Irregular heartbeat: When the heart has to work harder to pump blood, it might beat a little faster to keep up. This can manifest as a racing, fluttering or throbbing feeling in the chest, referred to as heart palpitations. A fast, slow or even heartbeat could indicate an arrhythmia, which is an issue with the heart’s rhythm or rate.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling a little wobbly or faint can happen for many reasons, especially as an individual gets older — perhaps they haven’t eaten or stood up a bit too quickly. But, suddenly feeling dizzy and experiencing other signs of CVD demands immediate medical attention.
There are also some less obvious signs to be aware of, such as heavy wheezing and a persistent cough with pink or bloody mucus. The key is to be mindful of slight changes in how you, your parent or the senior in your care feel.
Understanding Heart Disease in Older Adults
The aging process can cause changes in the cardiovascular system, leading to heart diseases and conditions. Blood vessels may stiffen, blockages gradually build up and the entire system can become more prone to inflammation.
Congestive heart failure is 10 times more common in those over 75 than in younger adults. Additionally, coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most widespread chronic conditions in older adults. Heart valve issues are also fairly typical, with aortic stenosis being the most frequently diagnosed in those in their later years.
In addition to age, it’s helpful to know what can increase a person’s chance of developing CVDs. Things like someone’s overall health, lifestyle choices and family history all play a role. Risk factors to be aware of include:
- High blood pressure: This medical condition occurs when the pressure of the blood inside one’s arteries and blood vessels is higher than it should be. If not caught or managed, the effects of high blood pressure on the heart can significantly increase the risk of a heart attack or heart failure.
- High cholesterol: The liver naturally produces the right amount of cholesterol — however, people get more of this substance from the food they eat. Taking in more cholesterol than the body needs can cause a build up in the artery walls, including those in the heart, which is linked to blood clots and heart attacks.
- Diabetes: This condition can make one more susceptible to cardiovascular issues. For older adults with diabetes, developing a heart disease can also have more serious consequences than for those without the condition.
- Obesity: Having excess body fat is linked to high blood pressure, higher levels of cholesterol and diabetes, all of which can raise the risk of CVD.
- Smoking: Tobacco use is a major concern for many reasons. Smoking can damage blood vessels and the heart, making one more prone to heart attacks. Nicotine also raises blood pressure, and the carbon monoxide in smoke reduces the blood’s oxygen levels.
- Genetics: One’s genetics can contribute to conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Beyond genes, families share environments and habits, too. The most significant risk often arises when a family history of CVDs is combined with unhealthy choices like a poor diet and smoking.
- A sedentary lifestyle: Not being active enough can increase the risk of heart disease. Plus, it can also make one more likely to develop other conditions that are risk factors, like diabetes and obesity.
Receiving Regular Checkups for Heart Disease
Prioritizing heart health is important, and one of the best things you can do is schedule regular checkups with a cardiologist — whether for yourself or your loved one. Routine screenings and tests can help spot any issues and early warning signs, giving older adults the chance to be proactive before these cause more serious complications. An annual visit is generally recommended for those above 60, but more frequent appointments might be necessary if there are significant risk factors.
During these checkups, specialists will examine the heart, listening for signs of conditions like valve disease or an arrhythmia. They’ll also assess one’s pulse rate, blood oxygen levels and body mass index, which is a measurement that helps determine the risk of CVD. They may also perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) test. This involves placing small electrodes onto the skin to measure the heart’s electrical activity, providing useful information on its rhythm and rate.
If any heart issues or possible risk factors are detected, don’t worry. Cardiologists are experts in the care of the cardiovascular system and will create a tailored treatment plan to boost heart health, including medication and lifestyle modifications.
Implementing Lifestyle Changes for Heart Health
Never underestimate the influence of lifestyle on heart health — the following practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing CVDs and improve overall cardiovascular well-being:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet: Older adults should eat a balanced diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins and high-fiber foods. They should also limit their intake of saturated and trans fats.
- Getting active: The role of exercise in heart health is significant. Besides lowering the risk of CAD and heart attacks, regular physical activity also helps to build up the heart’s strength. Exercises like low-impact cardio and chair-based activities are excellent for targeting cardiovascular health while still being gentle on the joints.
- Managing one’s weight: Older adults should work with their doctors to determine their ideal caloric intake. The combination of exercise and nutritional changes can help one reach and maintain a weight that reduces the risk of CVDs, diabetes and other conditions.
- Stopping smoking: Even for those in their later years, quitting smoking can improve their overall health and lower their risk of heart disease.
Get Heart Health Support With Village Caregiving
Having support can be essential in encouraging older adults to adhere to medical advice and treatment plans. Village Caregiving is here to provide this support. We offer in-home care, including heart-healthy meal preparation, assistance in managing medications, and transportation to medical appointments. With our family caregivers, you or your loved one will have peace of mind that essential measures are implemented, from lifestyle modifications to staying up to date with the necessary health checkups.
To learn more about how Village Caregiving can help, contact us today!
Recent Comments