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How Elders can Prevent Heart Disease

Elder Care in West Palm Beach FL: Heart disease is a common problem among older adults. According to Everyday Health, approximately 84 percent of people over the age of 65 will die from heart disease.

Elder Care in West Palm Beach FL

Heart disease is a common problem among older adults. According to Everyday Health, approximately 84 percent of people over the age of 65 will die from heart disease. However, this does not have to be the outcome that your loved one endures. With a healthy diet, regular exercise, and help from an elder care provider, your aging parent can live a long, healthy life that is free of heart disease.

 

Symptoms

The symptoms of heart disease do not typically occur until the elderly adult is about to have a heart attack. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms in your loved one, get medical help as soon as possible.

  • Feeling lightheaded or weak
  • Trouble catching their breath
  • Feeling faint
  • Feeling extremely full or as if they have indigestion
  • Pain or uncomfortable pressure in the chest
  • Abnormal pain in the back, neck, or shoulders
  • An irregular heartbeat
  • Constant sweating

 

Prevention

These tips will help your aging parent prevent heart disease so that they can live a healthy, long life.

  • Exercise regularly. Medical professionals recommend that seniors get at least 30 minutes of exercise almost every day of the week.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables will ward off heart disease. Also, make sure to avoid foods that contain salt, saturated fats, or high cholesterol.
  • Get regular checkups. Getting regular checkups by their doctor is necessary to make sure all of their numbers are at a healthy level, including cholesterol, blood pressure, and any other numbers needed for a health condition, like diabetes.
  • Avoid smoking. Smoking can easily weaken the heart and make it more susceptible to disease. The best way to prevent this from happening is to quit. Since this is not a habit many people can easily kick, encourage the elder to talk to their doctor about programs that will help them quit.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking too much can raise cholesterol blood pressure, and arrhythmias. Older adults should limit their drinking to one or two drinks a day.
  • Try to avoid stress. Stress is extremely bad for the heart and can actually help heart disease develop. While there may be some stressful situations your loved one has to deal with, it is important that they know how to manage their stress for their health. This means using relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to stay calm.

 

Heart disease may be common among older adults, but that does not mean it will happen to your loved one. Hopefully these prevention tips will help you and the elder make necessary changes to their lifestyle in order to prevent it from happening to them.

 

If you or a family member are in need of elder care in West Palm Beach, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.

 

Source:  http://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health/heart-healthy-habits-for-seniors.aspx

Stephen Sternbach

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