AGING IN PLACE: Tips to help maintain good heart health as we age

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Age may cause modifications to our hearts.

Beckie Spaid, a Senior House Care Specialist with Care Benefit, says age-related modifications can lead to arrhythmias, a fast, slowed, or irregular heartbeat—and/or the necessity for a pacemaker.

“Valves might grow to be thicker and stiffer. Stiffer valves can restrict the move of blood out of the heart and grow to be leaky, each of which may trigger fluid to construct up within the lungs or in different elements of the physique,” says Spaid.

“With growing age, folks grow to be extra delicate to salt, which can trigger a rise in blood stress and/or ankle or foot swelling,” she provides.

There are some indicators to be careful for that would point out heart illness:

Ache, numbness, and/or tingling within the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or again

Shortness of breath when energetic, at relaxation, or whereas mendacity flat

Chest ache throughout bodily exercise that will get higher once you relaxation

Lightheadedness

Dizziness

Confusion

Complications

Chilly sweats

Nausea/vomiting

Tiredness or fatigue

Swelling within the ankles, ft, legs, abdomen, and/or neck

Decreased potential to train or be bodily energetic

Issues doing all of your regular actions

Spaid stresses issues with arrhythmia are far more widespread in older adults than youthful folks.

“See a physician in the event you really feel a fluttering in your chest or have the sensation that your heart is skipping a beat or beating too arduous, particularly if you’re weaker than traditional, dizzy, drained, or get in need of breath when energetic,” she provides.