One health issue many Emeryville seniors face is coronary artery disease (CAD). Fortunately, there are ways to manage it, such as medications and lifestyle changes.
First things first: how common is this disease in seniors? As it turns out, age is a major risk factor, with older adults being particularly susceptible to CAD. Studies show that 31% of men and 25.4% of women aged 80 or older have CAD.
The good news: there are plenty of viable methods for treating coronary artery disease. But first, let's go over what CAD is and how to diagnose it.
Coronary artery disease is a blockage or narrowing of your coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to your heart. Over time, plaque buildup in the arteries will limit how much blood reaches your heart.
There are two types of CAD: stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) and acute coronary syndrome. The former involves your arteries gradually narrowing over many years. The latter is the sudden form and a medical emergency.
Common symptoms of CAD include:
A big part of maintaining heart health in seniors involves proactive checkups. Here are some tests that will help you determine if you have CAD.
Your doctor may recommend this test if your symptoms tend to occur during exercise. The test involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. If you can't exercise, you'll get a medicine that affects your heart in a similar way.
This test checks your heart's electrical activity. The doctor will attach sticky patches to your chest and connect them to a computer, which will display the test results. An electrocardiogram can also diagnose a heart attack.
Blood tests check for cholesterol and blood sugar levels. A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) test is particularly important here. It checks for indicators of inflammation, which play a key role in forming plaque.
Coronary artery disease treatment can include a variety of options. Your doctor will help you identify the best treatment plan for you, which may include:
There are plenty of medications that can help you manage the risk factors of CAD. Most of them lower your blood pressure/cholesterol or reduce the risk of blood clots. Some medications your healthcare provider may suggest are:
Some seniors may need a procedure to fix blocked arteries and improve blood flow. Two of the most common procedures are coronary angioplasty and CABG surgery.
Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive treatment. A doctor will use a catheter (a small balloon on a thin tube) to widen a clogged artery. They may also insert a wire mesh tube known as a stent to help keep the artery open.
The coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a form of open-heart surgery. Basically, it creates a new path for the blood to move around blockages. This can restore blood flow in seniors who have severe artery blockages.
Making lifestyle changes significantly contributes to cardiac wellness, particularly in seniors. For instance, you should check your cholesterol and blood sugar regularly. This is particularly important for seniors who are managing diabetes.
Avoiding alcohol and tobacco can also be huge for senior living and health. Over the long term, they both tighten your blood vessels and cause your heart to work harder. As such, they're major risk factors for coronary artery disease.
Other potential life-saving remedies for seniors include:
One of the best ways to lower inflammation in your body is to consume more omega-3 fatty acids. This type of unsaturated fatty acid is also great for heart and brain health. Key sources of omega-3 fatty acids are:
Aging and cardiovascular disease often go hand in hand, and some risk factors are genetic. That said, there are several things older adults can do to lower their risk of coronary artery disease. Some examples include:
If you have symptoms of CAD, your best bet is to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist. When you do so, ask if there's anything you should do in advance. For example, they may tell you not to eat before a cholesterol test.
Other things you can do to prepare include:
Once you see a health provider, they'll come up with coronary care tips suited to your needs. This may involve making lifestyle changes. If you live in an assisted living community, make sure other people know about your needs.
The bottom line: treating coronary artery disease can be a complex process. That said, the one thing you should commit to is looking forward. Instead of thinking about what you could've done, start building a plan to help your heart.
At 1440 By the Bay, we can help you manage coronary artery disease and make your life easier. We're part of the Discovery Senior Living family, which ranks first in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power study of assisted living communities!
Contact us here to schedule a tour of our Emeryville community or take advantage of our special offer: $99 for the first month's rent!