Cardiovascular diseases are among the major health risks to senior citizens, who are already in the risk-prone zone of their age. Caretakers, healthcare professionals, and society as a whole face a significant issue as a result of the expanding older population globally. The frequency of cardiovascular diseases, the prevalence of risk factors, and the number of age-related comorbidities are all higher in seniors.
Despite the fact that senior citizens have been known to benefit from preventative and management initiatives, these are still underutilised and poorly understood. All of this makes getting senior citizen health insurance an absolute necessity, along with educating oneself about the various factors affecting the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Types of Cardiovascular Diseases
The most common cardiovascular disease among senior citizens is coronary artery disease, also called coronary heart disease (CHD) or ischemic heart disease. It develops when the blood vessels that supply the heart with nutrients and oxygen are blocked or narrowed because of the cholesterol storage and fatty deposits known as plaques.
This narrowing or blockage can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, causing shortness of breath, chest pain and potential heart attacks (myocardial infarctions). Senior citizens are at an increased risk for CAD due to factors such as ageing, a lifetime of exposure to risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes, as well as genetic predisposition.
Other common cardiovascular diseases that can affect senior citizens include:
- Hypertension (increased blood pressure): Elevated blood pressure is a major risk factor for various cardiovascular conditions, including stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
- Heart failure: This happens in case the person’s heart is not able to pump blood properly, causing symptoms such as fluid retention, fatigue, and breathing issues.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms become more common with age and can lead to palpitations, dizziness, and in severe cases, fainting or cardiac arrest.
- Stroke: While not exclusively a cardiovascular disease, strokes can result from problems with the blood vessels supplying the brain. Strokes can cause cognitive and physical impairments.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This involves the narrowing of arteries in the limbs, typically the legs, due to atherosclerosis, causing reduced blood flow and pain during physical activity.
Factors to be Considered While Estimating Risk
Assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease in older people involves considering a combination of factors that can contribute to their overall cardiovascular health. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Age: Advancing age is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The risk tends to increase with age due to cumulative exposure to other risk factors and the natural ageing process of the cardiovascular system.
- Medical History: Consider the individual’s personal and family history of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and other related conditions. A family history of early-onset cardiovascular disease can increase risk.
- Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Assess the person’s smoking history, including current and past smoking habits, as well as exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Blood Pressure: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Measure blood pressure regularly and consider the person’s blood pressure levels, history of hypertension, and response to treatment.
- Cholesterol Levels: Elevated levels of LDL and low levels of HDL can lead to increased cardiovascular risk. Assess the person’s cholesterol levels and lipid profile.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Evaluate whether the person has diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
- Obesity: Excess body weight, especially central obesity (carrying weight around the abdomen), is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Calculate the person’s body mass index and assess their waist circumference.
- Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is protective against cardiovascular disease. Determine the person’s level of physical activity and exercise habits.
- Diet: A healthy diet is crucial for cardiovascular health. Assess the person’s dietary habits, including consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and avoidance of excessive salt, sugar, and saturated fats.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to cardiovascular disease. Inquire about the person’s alcohol consumption and patterns.
- Stress: Chronic stress and poor stress management can impact cardiovascular health. Consider the person’s stress levels and coping mechanisms.
- Medication and Treatment: Evaluate whether the person is taking medications to manage cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Assess their adherence to prescribed treatments.
- Kidney Function: Impaired kidney function can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Check the person’s kidney function through tests like serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate.
- Previous Cardiovascular Events: If the person has a history of previous heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular events, their risk is elevated for future events.
- Gender and Hormonal Status: Gender-specific factors and hormonal changes (e.g., menopause) can influence cardiovascular risk.
- Other Medical Conditions: Consider other medical conditions such as sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and autoimmune disorders, which can impact cardiovascular risk.
A comprehensive assessment of these factors, along with individualised evaluation and medical history, will help healthcare professionals determine the overall cardiovascular risk for older individuals and tailor appropriate prevention and management strategies.
Primary Prevention Strategies
Here are the general preventive strategies that should be adopted by everyone, especially senior citizens, to avoid cardiovascular diseases:
- Diet and Exercise: Embrace heart-healthy eating habits with fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Engage in regular physical activity suitable for your abilities. Maintain a healthy weight for overall well-being.
- Blood Pressure: Monitor and manage blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medications. Implement stress reduction techniques and relaxation.
- Cholesterol: Control cholesterol levels with diet, exercise, and medications if needed.
- Diabetes: Manage blood sugar levels effectively.
- Alcohol and Smoking: Consume alcohol moderately, considering age-related changes. Quitting smoking brings immediate cardiovascular benefits.
- Health Checkups: Regular medical visits aid risk factor monitoring and adjustment. Adhere to prescribed medications and consult doctors about concerns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, embracing primary prevention strategies for cardiovascular health in older people offers a pathway to enhanced well-being and a better quality of life. By adopting healthy habits, managing risk factors, and seeking medical advice, individuals can navigate ageing with vitality and reduce the risk of heart-related issues.
