February is American Heart Month, and if your parent hasn’t had a heart checkup in awhile you should schedule one. Approximately 1 in 4 seniors has heart disease, but many may not know it. That’s because often seniors will overlook the signs of heart disease or think that the symptoms of heart disease are something else. In-home care providers can help.
In fact, they may not even mention to you that they are experiencing symptoms of heart disease because they don’t think the symptoms are anything they should be concerned about. But any signs of heart disease should be taken seriously.
In-home care providers can help aging seniors practice better health routines and monitor them for risks and issues. Having heart disease increases the risk that your parent could have a heart attack or a stroke. And it can affect their health in other ways too.
Knowing Is Half The Battle
If your parent is diagnosed with heart disease, there are medications and lifestyle changes that can help them manage their disease and lower the risk of having a heart attack. That’s why it’s so important that your parent get a heart checkup if they are experiencing any of these symptoms:
Shortness of Breath
Many seniors think shortness of breath is just part of getting older or being out of shape. However, feeling winded during simple activities can be a sign of heart disease. Trouble breathing while walking, climbing stairs, or even resting may mean the heart is not pumping blood well.
Shortness of breath can also happen when lying flat or during sleep. Ignoring this symptom can allow heart problems to worsen over time.
Ongoing Fatigue or Weakness
Feeling tired once in a while is normal, but constant fatigue is not. Seniors with heart disease may feel exhausted even after a good night’s sleep. Everyday tasks like cooking, showering, or getting dressed may feel overwhelming. This happens because the heart is not delivering enough oxygen-rich blood to the body.
Many seniors brush this off as normal aging, but ongoing weakness deserves attention.
Chest Discomfort That Is Mild or Comes and Goes
Not all heart-related chest pain feels sharp or severe. Seniors may feel pressure, tightness, burning, or fullness in the chest. The discomfort may come and go or feel mild, which makes it easy to ignore.
Some seniors feel chest discomfort only during activity, and it goes away with rest. Because it does not feel dramatic, they may not mention it to a doctor, even though it can signal heart disease.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded can be a sign that the heart is not pumping enough blood to the brain. Seniors may notice this when standing up, walking, or moving too quickly. Some may feel unsteady or close to fainting. This symptom is often blamed on low blood pressure, dehydration, or medications.
While those can be causes, heart disease should also be considered, especially if dizziness happens often.
Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Swelling in the lower body is another symptom seniors may ignore. When the heart is weak, fluid can build up in the legs, ankles, feet, or even the abdomen. Shoes may feel tight, or socks may leave deep marks on the skin.
Some seniors think swelling is just from standing too long or poor circulation. However, ongoing or worsening swelling can be a sign of heart failure.
Talk To Your Parent About The Symptoms of Heart Disease
Talk to your senior parent about these symptoms and ask whether they have experienced any of them. In-home care services can help your parent manage symptoms, take medications, and maintain a heart-healthy diet at home. Before in-home care providers can help, your parent needs to speak with a doctor about their symptoms and receive a diagnosis.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Weston, FL, please contact the caring staff at Actify Home Care today at (954) 902-6049
Actify Home Care provides exceptional home and facility care for anyone in Broward County, including Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Parkland, Sunrise, Plantation, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Tamarac, Coral Springs, Miramar, Florida, and surrounding areas.
We offer services all around the South Florida area, if you have questions for us or don’t see your area listed just ask, we’d be happy to help. Contact us today!
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