Heart Health: Keeping Your Heart Light Shining Brightly
by Sandy Dunlap, RN, LCSW, Director of Nursing
Very often family members and clients report that someone has “heart problems.” When asked what kind of heart problems, they often do not know. In some heart problems, there are no or minimum symptoms and in others the symptoms are very specific. It is important to know and recognize the symptoms and also the situations that may cause these symptoms. There are many heart conditions, including congenital abnormalities, inflammation such as pericarditis and endocarditis, heart valve problems such as mitral valve prolapse. Some of the heart problems which we find in the seniors for whom we provide caregiving include:
| © |
Cardiac arrhythmias which occur when the electrical impulses in the heart are not working properly. These conditions are classified by where in the heart they originate and by the speed of the heart rate. Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) conditions include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventicular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or long QT syndrome. |
| © |
Myocardial infarction is commonly referred to as a heart attack. This occurs when there is not enough oxygen to the heart muscle and some of the muscle dies due to a lack of blood supply. |
| © |
Coronary artery disease is the # 1 killer in America. This is the most common heart problem that we see in the elderly. Coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque that narrows the arteries. The narrowing of the arteries may not be able to supply enough oxygen rich blood to the heart. This is a simplified version since there are other mechanisms that occur also. Commonly, the symptom of angina occurs. Angina is described as a burning, pressure fullness, or achy feeling in the chest area, left shoulder, arms, back, or jaw. There may be other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, weakness. Nitroglycerine tables are taken for these symptoms. If symptoms are not relieved, the patient should be taken to the nearest hospital. |
All heart disease is treated by reducing the risk factors. These include:
| © |
Reducing your cholesterol by using low fat and low cholesterol diets. Your overall cholesterol should be less than 200. The “good” cholesterol called HDL should be higher than 40 for men and 50 for women. The “bad” cholesterol should be less than 130. |
| © |
Exercise reduces weight and reduces stress (a factor that can cause an increased need for oxygen to the heart). |
| © |
Smokers should quit. |
| © |
Keep blood pressure under control. |
| © |
If diabetic, keep blood sugar in control. |
| © |
Maintain healthy weight. This can be better achieved with reduction of refined sugars (which reduces your triglyceride level) and eating a heart healthy diet. Exercise is the other key to keeping your weight under control. |
| © |
Medications may be needed in addition to the above. |
There are surgical and other procedures used to treat heart disease but they do not eliminate the continued need to maintain the above reduction of risk factors. Beside reducing your risk factors for heart problem, you will probably feel much better.
Being “heart smart” will help to keep your heart light burning brighter for a longer and healthier life!
|
