By Miriam Zucker, LMSW, ACSW, C-ASWCM
Although American Heart Month is about to end, heart disease among adult seniors shows no signs of letting up. In fact, it is the number one cause of death in older adults and has been for the last two decades.
According to Dr. Jeannette Yuen, a cardiologist in the Scarsdale Medical Group in Harrison, New York, the most common types of cardiac disease are: Coronary heart disease, where plaque builds up in the arteries that inhibits blood flow; Arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm that develops due to changes in the electrical impulses through the heart; Heart attack, which occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot; and heart failure, when the heart’s muscle becomes too damaged to pump blood to the heart.
While chest pain is one of the prominent symptoms associated with heart disease, there are other symptoms not to be ignored: pressure and/or heaviness in the chest that can be mistaken for indigestion, shortness of breath, palpitations, a rapid heartbeat, sweating and nausea. For women, there can be a group of unique symptoms: extreme fatigue, pain in one or both arms, back, neck or jaws. Also, there may be shortness of breath without chest pain.
As Aging Life Care Professionals®, we recognize that in the senior population heart disease may co-exist with other chronic conditions. Treatment for one condition may have a negative effect on another condition. It is for this reason that we obtain a full medical history, such as medications that are currently being taken and ones that have resulted in adverse reactions. We guide the caregivers so that they are aware of the symptoms that are out of the norm and recognize the importance of having open channels of communication between our clients and their physicians.
For both the family and the Aging Life Care Professional, there are no sweeter words than to hear a family member “is stable.” To that goal, if, for example, a pacemaker has been implanted, it is important to have it tested at regular intervals. It is also important to take medications as directed, not skip a dose, or abruptly stop a medication without consulting with a cardiologist. While the importance of exercise has always been touted to strengthen the heart and improve circulation, as care managers, we must question if such expectations are realistic based on the physical and cognitive conditions of our clients.
Finally, there is the inevitable recommendation to eat a healthy diet. While this is certainly important, it is also important to include moments that are simply for the joy of them. I choose to go with poet Jenny Joseph, who wrote: “When I am old I will wear purple with a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.” To which I add, while wearing purple with a red hat, I will eat ice-cream, whenever the urge comes over me. If not now, then when?
About the Author: Miriam Zucker, LMSW, ACSW, C-ASWCM, is the founder of Directions in Aging based in Westchester County, New York. For over two decades she has assisted families in customizing plans of care and developing effective strategies to meet the needs of senior adults.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association® and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.