Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for both men and women in the United States, and it can affect them in different ways. Here’s a closer look at some of the warning signs for each gender and a few steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
A Closer Look at Heart Disease
Also known as cardiovascular disease, heart disease is a condition that affects the ability to circulate blood throughout the body. There are many different types of heart disease, which typically occurs when plaque builds up in the vessels and restricts blood flow. It can also occur when the heart valves become damaged and are no longer able to pump blood throughout the body. In some rare cases, heart disease is caused by birth defects and genetic conditions that impact the heart’s nerve impulses. However, many cardiovascular health conditions can be prevented by making a few lifestyle changes.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Symptoms in Men
Men are more likely to develop heart disease than women, and they also experience higher rates of heart attacks. One of the most common warning signs of heart disease is extreme pressure in the chest. Many men complain they can’t catch their breath or their hearts are being constricted, and others feel as if their hearts won’t beat consistently. Heart disease symptoms in men are determined by different variables, including where the damage has occurred. Damaged vessels or plaque in the vessels can cause a tingling sensation in the feet or a lack of feeling in the fingertips.
Symptoms in Women
With both heart disease and heart attacks, women might not feel discomfort in their chests. In the earliest stages of cardiovascular disease, senior women could experience chronic fatigue and weariness. If a woman’s brain isn’t getting enough blood, she’s likely to face difficulty managing complex tasks. Females might also claim their throats are constantly sore even if they haven’t injured themselves.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Clearwater seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease
A few steps can be taken to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Dietary changes and regular exercise are the easiest ways to boost heart health and keep vessels strong. Seniors who smoke or drink heavily should immediately speak with their doctors about options for quitting. It’s also important for seniors to reduce their stress levels. Seniors who feel constantly stressed should explore treatments and practices like yoga, meditation, group therapy, and counseling.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare. Clearwater families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Call Home Care Assistance today at (727) 330-7862 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.