Signs of Heart Failure and In Home Senior Care
Heart disease is the main cause of death for men and women in the United States. Heart disease is the deadliest and kills more than all forms of cancer combined. Common signs of a heart attack include tightening chest pain and the pain is usually very intense. We all know when this symptom happens to call 911 immediately. One might not realize there are many other signs of heart disease that should not be ignored; especially for people older than 65.
There are some signs of heart failure that differ between men and women. Women are more likely to experience symptoms while resting or even while they are asleep. Mental stress is also a common trigger for women. Mental stress and depression can cause more trouble on a woman’s heart than it would for a man. Depression can make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle which can be detrimental to heart health.
Some lesser known signs and symptoms of heart disease include anxiety and chest discomfort including pressure, squeezing, and fullness in the general breastbone area. Women have shown signs of heart disease with a burning sensation in their chest. Other signs and symptoms of heart disease include nausea or lack of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, and a persistent cough. A rapid pulse can be a signal of impending heart failure if accompanied by weakness, dizziness or shortness of breath.
There are some very effective ways to prevent heart failure and reduce the risk of heart disease. One very important and quick head start to a healthier heart is to put out the last cigarette. Women, especially, can benefit from quitting smoking as it is harder on the heart than for a man. The minute a person quits smoking, the risk for heart disease is dramatically reduced. Try to incorporate exercise regularly and squeeze in at least thirty minutes of activity a day, or at least a few times a week. Walking in local parks or inside a shopping center in Chattanooga is a healthy dose of exercise. Choose more wholesome foods and aim for more vegetables while limiting fatty meats and salty foods.
A stroke is often called a “brain attack” and causes a sudden stop in blood flow to the brain. With the shortage of blood, the brain is starved of oxygen. In many cases, the brain cells can recover, but there are instances when a stroke can cause permanent damage. It is important to get help and call 911 as soon as possible when the first signs of stroke appear.
According to The National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke, 8 out of 10 strokes could have been prevented. A healthier lifestyle and quitting smoking will help to prevent strokes by reducing high blood pressure, losing weight, and lowering cholesterol. While there are ways to prevent stroke, there are other factors such as race and age that can’t be changed. Because of this fact, our elderly loved ones are more susceptible to strokes.
If you would like to learn more about the signs of heart failure and stroke as well as the many benefits of professional elderly care or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers to speak to a senior care specialist today 423-710-1500! The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your elderly loved one is a veteran. In home senior care allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. Senior Helpers of Chattanooga provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Chattanooga, Hixson, Cleveland, Ooltewah, Signal Mountain, and surrounding areas.