Understanding Heart Failure
Heart failure is an increasing concern across all age groups, affecting 6–10% of individuals over 65 and up to 20% of those over 75. Early signs of heart failure are similar among older adults and other age groups. Advances in treatments for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes have contributed to longer life expectancy compared to a decade ago.
However, these advances can also result in an increased risk of heart failure for some individuals. Understanding the prevalence and recognizing early warning signs is essential, particularly for seniors. While there is no cure for heart failure, the condition can be managed through targeted lifestyle modifications and medications that slow its progression.
February is recognized as Heart Month, dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and strategies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This observance highlights that many heart conditions are preventable through consistent, proactive lifestyle choices.
Challenges of Heart Failure
It is unpredictable and challenging to know how heart failure will progress, and many people, including our aging loved ones, can live several years without things worsening.
Let’s take a look at some numbers:
- 1 in 3 Canadians has been touched by heart failure.
- 750,000 people are living with heart failure.
- 100,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure every year.
Who is likely to Suffer from Heart Failure?
Heart failure can affect individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity, although specific risk factors may increase susceptibility. Coronary artery disease elevates the risk of heart failure when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
Normally, blood flows through blood vessels like water through a hose. In Coronary Artery disease, the major blood vessels that supply blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart become damaged or diseased. This damage causes the vessels to narrow, stiffen, or become blocked. The process is often called hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis.
Early warning signs may include:
- fatigue
- pain
- dizziness
They can also include the symptoms that are most associated with angina:
- A squeezing, suffocating or burning feeling in your chest that tends to start in the centre of your chest but may move to your arm, neck, back, throat or jaw.
Women are more likely to experience non-traditional symptoms such as:
- vague chest discomfort
- fatigue
- sleep difficulties
- indigestion
- anxiety
If left untreated, CAD can lead to other serious problems such as a heart attack, stroke or even death.
Broken Hearts
Heart Failure is a chronic condition when the heart does not function properly. It may be too weak, too stiff, or both, or have a structural problem.
Some of the symptoms are:
- Breathlessness or shortness of breath
- Swelling in the feet or abdomenÂ
- Fluid Buildup
- Fatigue
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The following video explains Heart Failure.
Helping our Senior Loved Ones Protect from Heart Failure
A healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins, helps maintain heart health. Seniors should avoid processed foods and foods high in saturated and trans fats.
Our senior loved ones must find ways to manage stress so it doesn’t become chronic, increasing the risk of heart failure. Activities like meditation, yoga, and tai chi can be helpful.
Regular physical activity can help improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart failure. Thirty minutes is broken into 15-minute intervals of moderate exercise for seniors, a few days a week, as long as their health allows.
Seniors should see their doctor regularly for check-ups and screenings to help catch any potential heart problems early.
Seniors should take their prescribed medications as directed and report any side effects to their healthcare provider.
Mending a Broken Heart
The Healthcare Team at Promyse is committed to keeping seniors living safely and independently at home. If your loved one has suffered or shows signs of heart failure and requires extra care, we are here for you and your family.Â
Contact us for more information about our In-home care for Seniors in Kitchener, Waterloo & Cambridge. We will be delighted to meet with you to discuss your loved one’s unique needs.
