In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
The average age for a first heart attack in men is 65. The statistics on heart disease in the United States are enough to make one sit up and take notice. Some of the most startling data shows about 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year. That’s one in every four deaths. In addition, about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack every year.
Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada, claiming more than 48,000 lives in 2012.
These statistics highlight the extreme importance of preventing heart disease in adults of every age, especially seniors. If you are the caregiver of a senior, here are the five most important things you need to know to help him live a heart-healthy life:
- Make simple lifestyle modifications
There are standard strategies every doctor recommends to live a heart healthy life, which can also help to avoid other chronic disease, such as diabetes. They include:
- Avoiding smoking and using tobacco products.
- Being physically active every day.
- Eating a heart-healthy diet.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar healthy.
- Eat healthy fats, not trans fats
Bad fats, such as trans fats, like to clog the arteries of the heart, which is not good for heart health. Good fats, like saturated, polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats, help to keep our skin and hair healthy. Trans fats are known to increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke by raising bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and lowering good cholesterol levels (HDL).
To add flavor and texture, trans fats are most often found in packaged baked goods, snack foods, margarine and fried fast foods. Guide your loved one toward healthy foods low in sugar and salt and high in nutrition.
- Believe it or not, dental health is a good indication of heart health
People who have gum disease often have the same risk factors for heart disease. Bacteria in the mouth causing gum disease can move into the bloodstream and cause an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Help your loved one to brush his teeth and gums regularly. Use a soft toothbrush, which won’t compromise loose teeth or sensitive gums. Make sure to schedule regular dentist appointments, as well.
- We know sleep is good for many things, but it is especially important for heart health
According to the Cleveland Clinic, one study of 3,000 adults over the age of 45 found those who slept fewer than six hours per night were about twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack as people who slept six to eight hours per night. If your loved one has difficulty sleeping, consult with his physician. It may be due to an underlying health condition, stress or depression. Make sure the bedroom is quiet and restful and at a good temperature for sleeping.
- Avoid smoke
Your loved one should not be smoking, nor should he be exposed to secondhand smoke. Studies show the risk of developing heart disease is about 25 to 30 percent higher for people who are exposed to secondhand smoke. According to the American Heart Association, exposure to tobacco smoke contributes to about 34,000 premature heart disease deaths and 7,300 lung cancer deaths each year. If your loved one smokes, enroll him in a smoking cessation program immediately, and consult with his physician for support and guidance.
If you need support caring for a loved one, call us. Our trained caregivers can provide support to fit your schedule and provide you with peace of mind. We understand aging, and we can help your loved one age in a healthy manner. Caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available for daily and hourly respite care for your loved one to help you protect your health and focus on yourself, too. Contact Amanda Butas, your Mesa client care manager, at (480) 699-4899 to see how our caregivers can help your loved one thrive. You also can visit us at our new office next to Bed Bath and Beyond, located on Power and McKellips roads, at 2031 N. Power Road, Suite 103.