There are many different types of heart disease that can affect aging adults. Fortunately, seniors can often prevent these cardiovascular disorders by making healthy lifestyle choices. Here are six of the main types of heart disease.
1. Arrhythmia
This disease is characterized by an irregular heartbeat. Arrhythmia can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood, and it’s fairly common among aging adults. One of the best ways to prevent an irregular heart rhythm is to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating fruits, vegetables, and low-fat foods.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust home care service experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
2. Atherosclerosis
One of the many problems caused by plaque buildup in the arteries is atherosclerosis. This heart condition can lead to several health issues, including strokes and heart attacks. To prevent this from happening, seniors should exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering blood pressure, controlling weight, and minimizing the amount of fat in the blood.
3. Heart Failure
When the heart muscle becomes too damaged, it can no longer pump blood through the body, which leads to heart failure. To prevent this condition, it’s important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercising regularly. Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, and one of the best ways to reduce the risk of heart failure is to quit this habit.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Rocklin, CA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
4. Rheumatic Heart Disease
Unlike other cardiovascular disorders, rheumatic heart disease can occur in young adults. However, elderly people are also susceptible to this disease, which is caused by rheumatic fever. Seniors who have had rheumatic fever in the past should be careful about their cardiovascular health, and they should follow the treatment plans prescribed by their doctors.
5. Congenital Heart Disease
When a person is born with abnormal valves, a hole in the heart, or other malformations, it’s known as congenital heart disease. Seniors with congenital heart disease need to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, following a heart-healthy diet, and limiting alcohol consumption. They might find exercising difficult, but it’s important for them to remain active. Doctors often advise people with congenital heart disease to practice yoga, do light weight training, or go for walks.
6. Inflammatory Heart Disease
Inflammation can negatively affect the heart muscle. Seniors can reduce their risk of inflammatory heart disease by getting an adequate amount of sleep every night. Studies show seniors who sleep less than 7.5 hours a night are at risk for heart attacks and strokes, which are often caused by inflammation in the heart.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional in-home care. Rocklin families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737.