Senior Home Care – Symptoms Of Heart Disease
According to the American Heart Association around 75% of seniors over the age of 65 have some type of heart disease. That’s a startling statistic for seniors and their families. Heart disease can increase the risk of a heart attack and stroke. And it can also impact the quality of life for seniors as they get older.
Seniors that want to age in place that have heart disease should have senior home care. Senior home care can help seniors with things like housework and shopping so that seniors don’t overexert themselves.
It’s important for seniors and their family members to recognize the symptoms of heart disease. When seniors get diagnosed with heart disease early they can try using lifestyle changes and medication to prevent further damage to their hearts. Some of the most common symptoms of heart disease in seniors are:
Chest Pain or Intense Discomfort
A common symptom of heart disease is chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away. Or, pain that comes and goes. The discomfort may also radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, or back. Women often experience pain in the back or in the neck area rather than directly in the chest or in the arm.
Shortness of Breath
Seniors with heart disease might experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, especially during exertion or while lying flat. This symptom can significantly impact daily activities and should not be ignored. Some shortness of breath is normal when seniors are exercising, or are doing activities in weather that is very hot or very cold. But if seniors are doing normal activities in the house and they are short of breath that is a symptom that something is not right.
Fatigue
Fatigue can be caused by many different things, so it’s difficult to know if fatigue is caused by heart disease or something else. But, persistent fatigue and a feeling of extreme tiredness can be a warning sign of heart disease in seniors.
Dizziness and Fainting
Seniors with heart disease may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting spells. These symptoms can occur due to inadequate blood flow to the brain. Some medications can also cause dizziness. So can malnutrition, which is something that many seniors experience. But dizziness or fainting combined with other symptoms can be due to heart disease.
Palpitations
Heart palpitations refer to an irregular or pounding heartbeat. Seniors may feel as though their heart is skipping beats or racing. Palpitations can be unsettling and require medical evaluation.
Swelling
Edema or swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet, is a common symptom of heart disease in seniors. Fluid retention occurs because the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the extremities. Seniors who experience edema should talk to their doctor.
A Persistent Cough
A chronic cough that produces white or pink-tinged phlegm can be a sign of heart failure, where fluid accumulates in the lungs due to the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently. Seniors who don’t smoke, have never smoked, or who have never experienced a chronic cough before should see a doctor if they recently developed a cough.
Cold Sweats
Sudden cold sweats, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, could be indicative of a heart attack in seniors.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior home care in Chico, CA, talk to the caring staff at Partners in Care today. Serving El Dorado, Nevada, Yuba, Sutter, Sacramento, Placer, Butte, Glenn, Yolo, & Colusa Counties!
Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (530) 268-7423
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