Keeping an Eye on Your Heart Health

Uncategorized  |  February 19, 2018

The month of February is a perfect time to increase awareness about heart disease, its causes, and how seniors can prevent it. To start, we’ll take a closer look at what heart disease is, what can cause it, and how older adults and seniors alike can prevent this serious condition with long term care.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is considered to be the top leading cause of death for both women and men in the U.S.A. Heart disease is a broad terms used to describe several different types of heart conditions, such as heart attack, heart failure, coronary artery disease, silent ischemia, angina, arrhythmia, peripheral arterial disease, and heart defects.

What Causes Heart Disease?

The main cause of heart disease is known as atherosclerosis, which refers to the narrowing and/or blockage of arteries caused by the buildup of fatty plaque on the walls of the artery. Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and other unhealthy habits can cause heart disease.

What are the Symptoms of Heart Disease?

While each type of heart condition requires different treatment, most heart conditions cause the affected individual to experience similar symptoms. The most common symptom associated with heart disease is chest pain. Seniors with chest pain describe the feeling as pain, discomfort, pressure, or heaviness in the chest. Other common symptoms of heart diseases includes shortness of breath, nausea, weakness or dizziness, palpitations, or irregular heartbeats.

How is Heart Disease Prevented?

Fortunately, seniors and older adults can prevent many heart diseases by living an active, healthy lifestyle, correctly managing their health conditions and making regular doctor visits. These easy-to-follow strategies can help seniors prevent heart disease:

• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Making Regular visits to the doctor
• Managing stress levels
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular exercise
• A well-balanced, low sodium diet

This February, seniors in Ottawa, Ontario should consider learning about heart disease and how to prevent it in themselves and people they love. Comfort Keepers of Ottawa provides unique, interactive caregiving services to seniors in need of long term care. Whether living in-home, doing light housekeeping, or providing company on an outing, we provide our seniors with the care they need. Our services and in home care helps our seniors live full and happy lives.

Share This Post: