The senior citizen’s guide to heart health

The beat, beat, beat of your heart is something that you feel every day of your life, so what have you done today for your heart health?

February is American Heart Month, which is a great time to think about the ways we care for the heart. According to the American Heart Association, someone in the U.S. dies of cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds.

For senior citizens, the aging process can change heart health – sometimes in obvious ways and sometimes you may not be aware of the subtle shift.

Aging can increase the size of the heart’s chambers, cause arrhythmias or atrial fibrillation and your arteries might be clogged with fatty deposits.

So, what are the signs of heart disease? Chest pain is one of the first signs, but there are others, including:

• Pain and discomfort in the jaw, neck, arms, or back
• Weakness, light-headedness, and nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Cold sweats
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, stomach, or neck

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to tell your health care provider.

But if you are healthy, here are some ways to prevent heart disease. Simple lifestyle changes like adding 500 steps a day, a healthy diet, good sleep and stress management can all play a role in heart health, as can cutting sodium consumption and quitting smoking.

Even small things can make a big difference in your cardiovascular health!

Abbington Assisted Living

At Abbington, our mission is to increase the independence and quality of life of each resident by providing care with respect, compassion and dignity in a safe, comfortable environment. Heart health is one issue of many for a long life. If you want to learn more about us or schedule a tour, contact us today.