The heart works by pumping blood through the body. This strong muscle is the size of a clenched fist. The heart helps in many ways, such as pumping blood on the right side to the lungs so they pick up oxygen, and receiving oxygen-rich blood on the left side from the lungs as it pumps blood through the body’s arteries. As we age, the heart and surrounding blood vessels change.
Those experiencing cardiovascular issues related to heart disease may need to receive detailed heart imaging. This type of imaging is helpful for doctors and can help provide the groundwork for correctly diagnosing a health issue. Older adults who experience chest pain should not take it lightly. Instead, contact 911 right away.
The Heart Changes as We Age
As you get older, your heart does not beat as fast during physical activity or times of stress. As your heart changes with age, you may feel a fluttering in your chest. Other sensations include feeling as if your heart skipped a beat or beats too hard. Over time, the chambers of the heart enlarge, and the heart wall thickens. This can reduce blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of stroke.
Heart valves become stiffer over time as fluid builds up. Because many changes occur over time, it is important to have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly. Older adults may be unaware of heart disease symptoms, which is why scheduling regular check-ups with your doctor is imperative to maintaining a healthy heart.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
According to the National Institute on Aging, there is a wide range of signs associated with heart disease. While some in the early stages may not be aware of the condition, others may begin to experience symptoms that worsen over time. Symptoms of heart disease include the following:
- Chest discomfort
- Rushing chest pain
- Pressure in the chest
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms, neck, shoulders, back, or jaw
- Cold sweats
- Anxiety
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath when active, while lying flat, or at rest
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Sudden dizziness
- Nausea
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Stomach upset
- Lightheadedness
Those experiencing any of the above symptoms should see a doctor right away to determine the severity of their cardiovascular condition. Once examined, it may be determined that the symptom is unrelated to the heart.
Ways to Keep the Heart Healthy
Although heart disease may be prevalent among older adults, there are ways to remain healthy. Some of the ways to continue to keep your heart healthy consist of:
- Remaining physically active
- Refraining from smoking or drinking large amounts of alcohol
- Following a heart-healthy diet that consists of vegetables and foods low in saturated fats
- Keeping high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes under control
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress
By taking part in the above, you can help reduce the stress on your heart. Older adults, who may be more susceptible to heart disease, can help reduce their risk by choosing heart-healthy options for exercise, eating, and sleeping.
Find Treatment Today
At United Heart Institute, we offer a range of services for patients, including coronary angiography, pacemaker implantation and battery replacement, mechanical heart assist device implantation, coronary cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, treadmill stress testing, and other services. Our goal is to correctly diagnose your condition and utilize specialized treatment plans to prevent you from experiencing symptoms associated with cardiovascular health issues.
At our heart health clinic, we focus on cardiovascular health in patients aged 18 or older. Our expert cardiologists have years of experience. Contact us today to take part in diagnostic testing and advanced treatments. Schedule your consultation today.
