Coronary Artery Disease Treatment: How Lifestyle and Support Play a Role
Seniors in Sparta, IL, interested in coronary artery disease treatment should know that medications play a critical role, but making healthy lifestyle modifications and getting adequate support are just as crucial.
Healthy habits provide necessary support for coronary health, as one's lifestyle can raise the risk for heart disease, per the U.S. CDC. Supportive services and social connections are also vital to senior heart care, as they can help boost adherence to treatment while alleviating stress.
Addington Place of Sparta, our retirement village nestled in Sparta, IL, a town known for its peacefulness, affordability, and strong community focus, has shared insights into CAD and heart-smart routines that can help manage it.
What Are 5 Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease is a chronic condition that occurs due to plaque (fatty deposits) clogging up the coronary (heart) arteries. Over time, this build-up can impede the flow of nutrients, oxygen, and blood to the heart muscle.
When that happens, several symptoms can occur, including the following.
1. Angina
Angina refers to chest discomfort or pain that results from the heart muscle not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. The problem is often due to CAD, which causes the coronary arteries to become narrow and blocked.
The discomfort or pain may feel like pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest.
2. Unusual Tiredness or Weakness
Fatigue, a persistent state of exhaustion that resting doesn't relieve, is another typical indication of CAD. Coronary artery disease can give rise to this symptom since the impaired blood flow robs the heart and body of oxygen and nutrients.
3. Shortness of Breath
Seniors with CAD may find themselves struggling to catch their breath, especially while exerting effort, such as going up the stairs or performing indoor walking exercises. It can occur as the heart has a harder time pumping blood efficiently.
4. Pain Outside the Chest
The discomfort or pain that occurs as a result of CAD can extend to other parts of the body. Examples include the arms, particularly the left side, the shoulders, and the neck. The jaw, the back, and even the stomach may also become affected.
5. Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are sensations that can make the heart feel as if it's:
- Pounding
- Fluttering
- Racing
- Skipping beats
Although palpitations can be due to factors like stress, hormones, and caffeine, they can also be an indication of CAD, even more so if they occur alongside other symptoms.
Can You Live a Healthy Life With Coronary Artery Disease?
Yes. Even with CAD, leading an active, healthy, and fulfilling life is still possible for seniors in Sparta, IL.
As long as older adults diagnosed with coronary artery disease follow their treatment plan and stick to healthy lifestyle habits, they can manage their condition (and even other health problems) well. They may even see improvements in their overall health and wellness.
What Does Coronary Artery Disease Treatment Look Like?
Taking medications is one of the primary ways for managing heart disease in aging adults. Some of the most common medicines often prescribed for CAD include:
- Statins
- Beta-blockers
- Aspirin
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), aspirin may help prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in people aged 40 to 70, provided they don't have an increased risk for bleeding.
Still, medicines alone may not be sufficient for treating CAD. Following Sparta, IL, wellness tips and implementing healthy lifestyle changes must also be a top priority. They can help lower the risk of future heart woes and enhance overall quality of life.
Heart-Healthy Diet
A heart-healthy diet limits the intake of excessive salt, saturated or trans fats, and added sugars. Instead, it focuses on:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Lean proteins
- Fiber
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Whole grains
- Unsaturated oils
DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and the Mediterranean diet are excellent examples of heart-healthy diets.
Regular Physical Activity
Engaging in regular physical activity is another crucial foundation of coronary artery disease treatment.
Seniors should, as much as possible, aim for a weekly 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, as advised by the American Medical Association. If they can, they may also opt for 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity.
Physical, Social, and Emotional Support
Physical support (such as the personal care services we provide here at Addington Place of Sparta) can help seniors with CAD manage their daily lives better. Our team can help with medicines and activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, continence care, and meal prep.
Social and emotional support also plays a critical role in coronary artery disease treatment, as it can help ease stress, anxiety, and depression. Positive connections can also promote healthier behaviors (e.g., exercising and eating delicious yet nutritious meals together).
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Prescription Medications for CAD Work?
Prescription medications for CAD help control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Aspirin can also prevent platelets from forming into dangerous blood clots, which can clog arteries and increase the risk of strokes or heart attacks.
What Exercises Can Seniors Do for CAD?
Brisk walking and dancing are two excellent examples. Swimming, cycling, and gardening are also ideal for seniors. They're all healthy activities that promote movement, support better heart and overall health, and encourage socialization.
How Does CAD Affect Life Expectancy?
As reported by Medical News Today, CAD may shorten one's life expectancy by approximately 10 years. However, it still depends on several factors, such as the treatment's effectiveness, the condition's severity, and the timing of the diagnosis.
The above underscores the importance of getting screened early for coronary artery disease. The sooner a senior knows they have CAD, the sooner they can get treatment, and the sooner they can become motivated to adopt heart-healthy lifestyle habits and modifications.
Don't Delay Treatment for CAD
From prescription medications to healthy lifestyle habits and support for medication, ADLs, and social and emotional wellness, these are some of the most crucial aspects of coronary artery disease treatment.
Addington Place of Sparta is happy to welcome you or an older loved one and help you live life to the fullest, even with CAD. Here, you can expect delicious yet heart-healthy meals prepared from scratch by our culinary team. We also have daily activities and events designed to get our residents active and moving.
Speak with our friendly team today so you can tour our warm and lively senior living community in Sparta, IL.