February is American Heart Month and it's a great time to consider implementing new habits and health practices to take better care of your senior loved one's most vital organ. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for seniors in America, but with proper education on what good heart health consists of along with regular tests that monitor function, you can help improve your senior loved one's heart health.
What Is Heart Health?
When it comes to heart health, it basically means taking care of the heart so that your senior loved one can stay healthy and active. It involves understanding what heart disease is and minimizing any risk factors which can decrease the chances of a serious problem occurring. Some of these risk factors include high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), physical inactivity, obesity or being overweight, and family history.
How Can You Improve Your Senior Loved One's Heart Health?
The good news is that you can make a few simple changes to improve your senior loved one's heart health. Exercise is key, as it helps increase blood circulation and strengthens the heart muscle. It also helps to decrease cholesterol levels, reduce stress, and maintain an overall healthy weight.
A healthy diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, can have lasting effects on the heart. Eating foods low in fat and sodium will help keep your senior loved one's blood pressure in check while providing their body with essential vitamins.
Lastly, paying attention to how your loved one manages stress is important too. Regular meditation and relaxation exercises such as yoga can be beneficial when trying to dial down the anxiousness or worry they may experience due to lifestyle changes or other circumstances.
What Are Some Common Heart Health Tests?
To have a greater understanding of your senior loved one's heart health status, regular tests should be conducted. Blood pressure readings can help alert you to any issues such as hypertension which can lead to further cardiovascular problems if left unaddressed.
Checking cholesterol levels is important too as this will show if fat has accumulated in the arteries which can block blood flow. An electrocardiogram (EKG) measures electrical signals from the heart so that doctors are able to see how well your senior loved one's heart is functioning and detect any potential concerns.
What Are Some Common Heart Health Conditions?
Heart health can be impacted by age and lifestyle, which is why certain conditions may arise. Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle and causes them to narrow.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) happens when one or both of your senior loved one's heart's pumping chambers fail to pump enough blood into circulation while Arrhythmia refers to an abnormal heartbeat rhythm due to electrical disturbances within the heart.
Choose Senior Helpers Canton-Rome-Cartersville as a Partner in Caring for Your Senior Loved One
It's important to pay close attention to the signs and symptoms of poor heart health to make sure you get your senior loved one the necessary medical treatment in Canton, Cartersville, Rome, Blairsville, and Chatsworth. Senior Helpers Canton-Rome-Cartersville can provide the additional assistance that your senior loved one needs to age in place. Reach out to us today!