The heart is the most basic and most vital organ in the human body. Heart diseases rank number one among non-infectious diseases that turn fatal across the globe.
Old age is usually termed as a hub for diseases. Though heart diseases are quite possibly among younger people, it is quite common in old age people. Senior citizens with heart problem must take good care of themselves. In this article, we will look into how seniors with heart conditions can take care of themselves
Heart Attack
Blocks happen when fats get deposited in the arteries that carry blood to the heart. This leads to disturbance in blood circulation leading to heart attack. It has become quite common to notice heart attacks in senior citizens. So it’s quite important to know symptoms and available treatments for heart attack.
Things to do for people with heart diseases
- Regular tests need to be conducted for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and it’s also necessary to keep these diseases under control.
- Taking regular walking exercise for at least 5 days a week is essential. Seniors must take a walk for at least 30 minutes a day. Maintaining a healthy weight is also essential.
- Night’s sleep must last for 8 hours. They can sleep and take rest for about 1 hour after taking lunch in the noon.
- Foods rich in fat content must be avoided at all cost. Consuming fiber-rich foods is advisable. For people with diabetes, it is better to consume fruits as per doctor’s advice.
Things not to do for seniors with heart disease
Lifting or moving heavy objects must be strictly avoided. It’s best to reduce or minimize works that involve closing of the fist, for example, riding a motorbike, washing the clothes, watering plants, driving a car, these activities increases stress in the heart. Works that involves bending down must be avoided. Similarly, it’s good to take a bath in a seated position.
What to do when there is a sudden heart pain?
Pain that happens in heart region could be an ordinary one, and sometimes it could be a heart attack. If it’s an ordinary pain, it’s usually in the bearable zone. Unbearable pain is usually due to heart attack.
There will be excess sweating during a heart attack. It will create restlessness. Normally, heart patients who regularly visit a doctor will have pills for the emergency. Taking those pills or tablets will be helpful, but it is just a first aid. It’s essential to visit a Doctor immediately after taking the pill.
Sometimes heart functioning will stop altogether, meaning they would lie breathless. This is termed as cardiac arrest. It’s really hard to recover a person from cardiac arrest. It’s better to take the person to a hospital immediately instead of giving them first aid.
Seniors usually have low immunity, so it’s necessary to protect them from infections. Consuming foods that will increase immunity, such as ginger, garlic, pepper, mint leaves, curry leaves, green tea, green vegetables, and fruits really help a lot.
