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Heart Disease

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Geriatric Condition:

Heart Disease

Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart’s structure and function. The most common type is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attacks. Heart disease is a leading cause of death, particularly among older adults.

Types

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup.
Heart Failure: The heart’s inability to pump blood effectively.
Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation.
Valvular Heart Disease: Damage to or dysfunction of one or more of the heart’s valves.
Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle affecting its size, shape, and structure.
Congenital Heart Disease: Heart abnormalities present at birth.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Narrowing of the arteries in the limbs, often associated with CAD.

Symptoms

Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
Shortness of breath
Fatigue and weakness
Palpitations or irregular heartbeats
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea and sweating

Causes

Age: Risk increases with age due to natural wear and tear on the heart and blood vessels.
High Blood Pressure: Puts extra strain on the heart and arteries.
High Cholesterol: Leads to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Smoking: Damages blood vessels and heart tissue.
Diabetes: Increases the risk of heart disease due to high blood sugar levels.
Obesity: Excess weight contributes to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise weakens the heart and circulatory system.
Unhealthy Diet: Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium can lead to heart disease.
Family History: Genetic predisposition to heart disease.

Impact To Lifestyle

Physical Limitations: Reduced ability to perform daily activities and exercise due to breathlessness and fatigue.
Dietary Restrictions: Need to follow a heart-healthy diet, limiting salt, fats, and cholesterol.
Medication Management: Regular use of medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Increased Healthcare Needs: Frequent medical appointments, tests, and potential hospitalizations.
Emotional Health: Anxiety, depression, and stress due to chronic illness and lifestyle changes.
Social Impact: Possible limitations on social activities and interactions.

Management & Prevention

Management:

Medications: Blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood thinners, and medications to manage symptoms like angina and heart failure.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Healthy Diet: Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in moderate physical activity, such as walking or swimming, as advised by a healthcare provider.
- Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking to improve heart health.
- Limit Alcohol: Drinking in moderation, if at all.
Medical Procedures: Angioplasty, stent placement, or coronary artery bypass surgery for severe cases.
Monitoring: Regular check-ups and monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other health markers.
Education and Support: Participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs and support groups.

Prevention:

Healthy Eating: Following a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
No Smoking: Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke.
Managing Health Conditions: Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes under control.
Regular Health Check-Ups: Early detection and management of heart disease risk factors.
Stress Management: Practicing stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or hobbies.

Resources Found In Meridian, Mississippi

Rush Health Systems – Cardiovascular Services

Anderson Regional Health System – Heart Care

Ochsner Rush Foundation Hospital – Cardiology

Cardiovascular Institute Of The South – Heart Disease Care

Hattiesburg Clinic – Cardiology

Singing River – Cardiac Care

Resources Found Nation-Wide

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