5 Risk Factors of Heart Disease in Seniors

The biggest risk factor for heart disease in seniors is age itself. As wear and tear accumulate in the heart and blood vessels, the likelihood of cardiac problems increases. Longevity among seniors above 65 age has decreased by 83 percent. Until menopause, women are significantly less likely than men to suffer from heart disease. Women's risk triples at menopause but remains below men's.

Other risk factors are similar among all age groups, but seniors' circumstances may make them more vulnerable.Tucson home care services Shares the top five Reasons .

1. SMOKING

Seniors may think that if smoking hasn't harmed them yet, it won't. Not only is this not true, but second-hand smoke is also a risk factor for everyone around them. Tried quitting 20 years ago and it didn't work? Smoking cessation programs are always improving to  make a difference.

2. INACTIVITY

Retired seniors who are disconnected from family and friends may lack motivation to get out and get moving. Aches and pains, poor vision and balance, fear of falling, or a perception that the neighborhood is unsafe may make the elderly insecure to venture outdoors. But inactivity is a major contributor to heart disease and allied conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 

3. POOR DIET

Seniors may have trouble getting groceries, cooking, and eating. They may fall back on easily available canned, packaged, and processed foods that require little or no preparation and don't need much chewing. However, these foods are likely to be high in sodium, unhealthy fats, sugar, and refined carbohydrates , which are all bad for heart health and low in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

4. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Blood pressure tends to increase as we age. High blood pressure has no symptoms but damages the blood vessels, which in turn strains the heart. Only about half of adults with high blood pressure have it under control. Inactivity and a high-sodium diet make it worse. Exercise, a healthy diet, and medication can bring the pressure down.

5. EXCESS WEIGHT

The consequences of years of poor eating habits add up, especially as people become less active with age. The body requires greater effort to move, which taxes the heart and can leave it weak. As with high blood pressure, exercise and a better diet can lower the risk of heart disease. Losing even a few pounds will make a difference in a senior’s health.

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