Common Heart Conditions and Diseases in Seniors
Age can alter the human body in many ways, both good and bad. But some of the more drastic consequences of these changes are the increased risks of developing various heart conditions or diseases, which are some of the most frequently seen conditions and the number one cause of death in the older adult community.
As one’s age increases, the elasticity and ability of the arteries and heart system to respond to changes in pressure decreases, which in turn, weakens the heart’s capability to drive blood to the vessels spread all over the rest of the body. In addition, some individuals develop atherosclerosis, or coronary heart disease, the accumulation of sticky substances called plaques in coronary arteries. This blockage hinders the ability of blood to flow normally and deliver sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, which then weakens the heart muscle cells, increasing the possibility of the onset of severe heart conditions.
Besides age, factors such as physical frailty, obesity, and diabetes also compound the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases. Gender and living habits have been found to contribute to the onset of these diseases. Finally, risk factors that are outside of the individual’s control, such as family history, also play an important role.
Heart Attack
Heart attacks are one of the serious, life-threatening consequences of atherosclerosis. It’s usually caused by plaque ruptures in the coronary arteries, which create blockages and prevent the heart from obtaining enough oxygen. When blood flow isn’t restored within a certain amount of time, the oxygen-deprived section of the heart will start to wither and become replaced by scar tissue, and this may cause severe or long-lasting health problems.
While heart attacks are often portrayed as sudden and rather dramatic, its symptoms actually start slowly as mild discomfort or pain and are difficult to identify. Even those who have experienced heart attacks in the past may have trouble recognizing their symptoms, due to the variance of symptoms that one may exhibit in the wake of a heart attack. Nevertheless, heart attacks are severe medical emergencies that require treatment as soon as possible, for it’s highly possible for heart attacks to leave lasting and crippling damage on the body, and even take one’s life. Some common warning signs of heart attacks are listed below.
Chest pain, pressure, and/or discomfort or pain in the upper body, neck, or arms that doesn’t go away, usually occurring in times of activity or rest
Shortness of breath
Vomiting or nausea
Dizziness, fainting, or extreme fatigue during physical activity
Cold sweat
Irregular Heartbeats (Arrhythmia)
Irregular heartbeats are common occurrences of aging. As the heart muscles stiffen, valves that regulate the flow of blood into and out of different heart chambers can also weaken, causing an irregular beat in the otherwise steady rhythm. While an occasional flutter is harmless and normal, one should consult a healthcare provider or medical professional if these unusual heartbeats become chronic or persist over a relatively long period of time. Additionally, if an individual has a history of cardiovascular diseases and/or has experienced heart attacks, these arrhythmias can be more serious and even life-threatening.
The more frequent yet usually not as severe arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, which occurs when the atrial (upper) chambers of one’s heart contract rapidly and irregularly. These fibrillations are sometimes continuous and sometimes come and go, and other symptoms usually do not manifest along with them. However, atrial fibrillation can still pose dangerous consequences, as it makes one more likely to have faster heart rates and increases the risk of developing strokes. Ventricular fibrillation, irregular contractions of the lower heart chambers, are less common but more severe. Because they prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively, resulting in pauses in blood circulation and the individual losing consciousness, these arrhythmias are closely related to other life-threatening heart diseases, such as heart attacks and coronary heart disease.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a chronic condition, usually onset by age, in which the heart becomes more vulnerable to various injuries and/or begins to deteriorate in its ability to pump blood effectively. It often coincides with other conditions that impair the heart muscles, such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. While it is a serious condition and has no cure, heart failure can be managed through medication and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
Common symptoms include:
Chronic coughing and/or wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty with breathing
Fatigue, continuous light-headedness
Swelling, especially in the feet, ankles, and legs
Nausea, loss of appetite
Unexplained weight gain
Increased heart rate
Confusion or disorientation