As we get older, it’s important to take steps to protect our hearts and reduce the risk of heart disease. Heart disease can range from mild to severe and may lead to life-threatening conditions like cardiac arrest, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms that could indicate you are at risk.
Common Symptoms
Heart disease is a common and serious issue for senior citizens. It is important to be aware of the symptoms so that you can take steps to prevent it from developing or worsening. The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with heart disease:
- Angina, or chest pain: This is one of the main symptoms of heart disease and is the result of a decrease in blood flow to the heart. It can be felt as tightness, pressure, or squeezing in the chest.
- Difficulty breathing: If you find yourself having difficulty catching your breath when exercising or performing other physical activities, it could indicate a problem with your heart.
- Fatigue and lightheadedness: Feeling tired and weak can be a sign that something is wrong with your heart. Lightheadedness or dizziness may also occur.
- Swelling due to fluid retention: If you experience swelling in your legs, feet, or other areas of the body it could be caused by an issue relating to your heart.
As we age, our risk of developing heart disease increases. To reduce this risk, it is important to manage certain lifestyle factors and medical conditions. These include maintaining a healthy weight through diet by eating balanced meals, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diet. Reducing processed foods and added fats can also help reduce the risk. Regular exercise can strengthen the heart and circulatory system while maintaining blood pressure. Other factors to consider are quitting smoking, controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing alcohol intake, managing any stress or anxiety issues, and getting regular checkups. Additionally, any underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes must be managed to further reduce the risk of heart disease. Taking these steps can help seniors stay healthy and prevent heart disease.
If you are a senior seeking treatment for heart disease, there are a range of options available to you and Primary Medical can help. You can talk with our doctors about lifestyle changes such as improving your diet or exercising more frequently. In addition, you may benefit from taking medications prescribed which can help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of complications. Depending on the type of heart disease, your doctor at Primary Medical Group will work with you on a treatment plan that is tailored to you and your health needs. To get help becoming a patient please contact our Patient Relations Team at (951) 225-6808. If you need help booking an appointment, please call (951) 225-6808. We look forward to helping you on your healthcare journey.
Signs of a heart attack
A heart attack is an emergency situation and requires immediate medical attention. If you experience the following symptoms, seek help right away:
- Chest pain: This is one of the most common signs of a heart attack and can be felt as tightness, pressure or squeezing in your chest.
- Breathlessness: Difficulty breathing or feeling like you are having a hard time catching your breath.
- Heart palpitations: A feeling of pounding, racing, or fluttering in your chest that indicates something is wrong with your heart.
- Nausea: Feeling sick to the stomach can be a sign of a heart problem.
- Stomach pain: Pain or discomfort in the abdomen can occur with a heart attack.
- Sweating: Breaking out in a cold sweat for no apparent reason could be an indication of a heart issue.
- Arm, jaw, back, or leg pain: Pain and discomfort in any other part of the body, sch as the arms, jaw, back or legs could be a sign of a heart attack.
- A choking sensation: Feeling like you can’t catch your breath and having difficulty swallowing can indicate that something is wrong with your heart.
It’s important to pay attention to these symptoms and visit your doctor if they occur. Taking steps to prevent heart disease and understanding the signs and symptoms of a heart attack can help keep you healthy and safe.
Note: This content should not be used in place of professional medical advice or treatment. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important that you seek medical attention right away.