Heart disease is the most frequent medical condition in the elderly and the most frequent cause of death.
It can manifest in a number of different ways. Some of the typical heart conditions include high blood pressure, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation. Like any other body part, there’s wear and tear with your heart as you age. Your heart and blood vessels stiffen. High blood pressure becomes increasingly common.
February is National Heart Month, which is a good time to raise awareness about heart conditions, and to understand what can be done to prevent it. Just a few small changes can make a big difference.
Here are a few basic ideas to keep the elderly heart healthy:
- Encourage exercise in any form. For some, it may mean running or biking. For others, it may mean getting out and taking a walk when you can.
- Encourage loved ones to see the doctor regularly for routine physicals.
- Encourage a healthy, balanced diet.
- Use spices instead of salt to season food.
- Support the doctors and nurses who speak out about this subject.
Heart Disease is a Significant Health Risk
Your heart is a critical muscle in your body. We need it strong and healthy to survive. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. Aging in the liver and kidneys can change how certain medications impact the body.
The good news is that heart disease can be entirely preventable, when we make changes such as the ones above, in our daily lives. We can work together to help others make good decisions. Families can encourage loved ones, and individuals can consider better health choices from the onset.
