Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, so senior women need to take particular care of their hearts. Strokes, heart attacks, and other heart conditions are often preventable as long as women take a few steps to manage their health. Your senior loved one can reduce her risk of developing a cardiovascular disease by following a few simple tips.
1. Understand How Heart Conditions Affect Women
The symptoms of a heart attack can vary between genders. Instead of searing chest pains, women are more likely to feel chest pressure, lightheadedness, nausea, back or shoulder aches, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Being able to promptly notice and seek treatment for heart issues can ensure they don’t become life-threatening.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Phoenix Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities we provide to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being obese is associated with high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and it damages the heart in many ways. Obesity is often linked to diabetes, and women with diabetes have higher heart disease risks than male diabetics. It’s particularly difficult for older women to lose weight, since their metabolism is low, so your loved one may need to carefully monitor her dietary intake.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of homecare. Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
3. Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular conditions. It also impairs the body’s natural healing process, making it more difficult for the circulatory system to overcome minor damage. Many women find it helpful to chew nicotine gum or wear nicotine patches and gradually reduce their nicotine intake over time.
4. Avoid Unhealthy Foods
A heart-healthy diet for women should be low in salt and sugar. Both ingredients increase blood pressure and put stress on the heart. Heart-healthy diets should also include plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. There’s an impressive amount of research linking increased fiber consumption to a lower heart disease risk. Fiber consists of naturally occurring indigestible compounds found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and it boosts heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels.
5. Take Recommended Medications
Your loved one should talk to the doctor to see what medications she may need to keep her heart healthy. Many postmenopausal women are at risk for coronary microvascular disease, which can be prevented with estrogen supplementation. Aspirin can reduce blood clotting, and statins can lower cholesterol levels. If the doctor suggests taking any of these medications, make sure your loved one follows all dosage recommendations and takes them at the right time.
An in-home caregiver can help your loved one maintain her cardiac health in several ways. Phoenix home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
