How Senior People Can Take Good Care Of Their Hearts?

Want to lead a healthy and long life? Then don’t ignore your "Heart". Our senior loved ones should take good care of their heart as the aging process can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases that may sometimes prove fatal if prompt action is not taken. But that doesn’t mean senior people cannot improve their heart health. There are many things that they can do to keep their heart ticking on a healthy note.

What is cardiovascular disease?

According to Wikipedia, "Cardiovascular disease or CVD" is a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. It includes Coronary Artery Diseases such as Angina, heart attack, stroke, abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia, heart failure, etc.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease:-

• High Blood Pressure or hypertension

• High Cholesterol

• Obesity

• Smoking and excessive Drinking

• Following a sedentary lifestyle

• Diabetes

• Poor Diet

Symptoms of Cardiovascular Diseases:-

Most cardiovascular diseases share some common symptoms. It’s important to monitor those symptoms, especially for our senior loved ones and inform the doctor as soon as possible if you find any one of those. If your senior loved one is availing of any professional caregiving service, ensure the caregiver keeps a track of your senior loved one's health and keeps you updated. Some emergency symptoms may include-

• Chest pain and shortness of breath

• Chest pain radiating in arms, back, neck, jaws, or abdomen

• An irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate

• Palpitations, feeling dizzy and nauseous

• Fatigue, Sweating

• Indigestion or feeling full.

Consult a doctor immediately if your senior loved ones complain about experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Elder Care Service providers in Kolkata offer doctor assistance services that you can avail of for your senior loved ones.

Now, let us have a close look at some of the things that our senior loved ones can do to take care of their dear heart:-

Abstain from smoking and drinking:-

Cigarettes and excessive alcohol intake a strict no for maintaining your senior loved one's health. Encourage your loved ones to abstain from these two dreadful companions of life if they want to lead a healthy and long life.

Exercise:-

Exercise is very good for heart health. Encourage your senior loved ones to go brisk walking daily or at least 4 days a week. They can also do some light exercises. But always consult a doctor before starting any new exercise plan for your beloved seniors.

Keep a check on body weight:-

Obesity can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Ensure your senior loved ones maintain a healthy body weight.

Healthy Diet:-

Encourage your senior loved ones to eat healthily. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and poultry products is good for heart health. Ensure they avoid oily and junk foods as much as possible.

Keep a check on their daily sodium intake:-

High sodium intake can increase blood pressure. Make sure they cut down their daily sodium intake. Encourage them to follow the DASH diet ( Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension). This diet consists of food rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium and limits foods that are high in sodium, added sugars, and fats.

Last but not least make sure your senior loved ones remain stress-free. Encourage them to take hobbies that they like such as gardening, painting, writing, etc. This will help them feel relaxed and stress-free. Positive life changes can be made anytime. Ensure your senior loved ones take good care of their heart to lead a healthy and long life.

Debosree is a professional writer working in the Senior Care Field for quite a long time. She has written many informative blogs and articles on the senior care facilities that are available. He has a great reader base.