Healthy heart in old age: prevention and treatment

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Healthy heart in old age: prevention and treatment

I. Introduction to cardiovascular health in old age

Acting is an inevitable biological process that affects all organs and systems of the body, including the cardiovascular system. With age, the heart and blood vessels undergo a number of changes that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (SVD). Understanding these changes and risk factors is the key to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies aimed at maintaining heart health in old age.

II. Age-related changes in the cardiovascular system

The heart, like any other organ, is subject to changes with age. These changes may include:

  • Reducing the maximum heart rate (heart rate): With age, the heart loses part of its ability to quickly respond to physical activity or stress. The maximum heart rate that the heart can reach during intense exercises can be reduced. This is due to a decrease in sensitivity to adrenaline and norepinephrine, hormones that stimulate an increase in heart rate.

  • Thickening of the walls of the heart (hypertrophy of the left ventricle): With the age of the wall of the left ventricle, the main pump chamber, can thicken. This occurs in response to an increase in the load on the heart caused by high blood pressure or other factors. Hypertrophy of the left ventricle can lead to impaired heart function and an increase in the risk of heart failure.

  • Reduced elasticity of blood vessels (arteriosclerosis): With age, arteries become less elastic and more rigid. This condition is called arteriosclerosis. It is associated with the accumulation of collagen and other substances in the walls of arteries. Arteriosclerosis leads to an increase in blood pressure and an increase in the load on the heart.

  • Access of plaques in arteries (atherosclerosis): Atherosclerosis is a process in which fatty deposits, cholesterol and other substances accumulate in the walls of the arteries, forming plaques. These plaques can narrow the arteries, limiting the flow of blood to the heart and other organs. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of coronary heart disease (IBS), stroke and other SVDs.

  • Disruption of the function of the heart valves: With age, the heart valves that control the flow of blood between the chambers of the heart can become more stringent and less effective. This can lead to impaired valve function, such as stenosis (narrowing) or insufficiency (incomplete closure).

  • Reducing the sensitivity of baroreceptors: Barooreceptors are nerve cells located in the walls of the arteries that control blood pressure. With age, the sensitivity of baroreceptors decreases, which can lead to fluctuations in blood pressure and an increase in the risk of orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when rising).

III. Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in old age

In addition to age -related changes, there are a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing CVD in old age:

  • Increased blood pressure (hypertension): Hypertension is one of the most common risk factors in the elderly. With age, blood pressure tends to increase due to arteriosclerosis and other factors. Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure and renal failure.

  • High cholesterol level: The high level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and the low level of “good” cholesterol (HDL) contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. With age, cholesterol levels tend to increase, especially in women after menopause.

  • Diabetes sugar: Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the blood glucose level is increased. Diabetes significantly increases the risk of the development of SVD, including coronary heart disease, a stroke and damage to the peripheral arteries.

  • Obesity: Obesity, especially abdominal (accumulation of fat in the abdomen), is associated with an increased risk of development of hypertension, diabetes, high level of cholesterol and other risk factors of the SVD.

  • Smoking: Smoking is one of the most harmful risk factors of the SVD. Smoking damages the walls of arteries, promotes the formation of plaques and increases the risk of thrombosis.

  • Insufficient physical activity: Insufficient physical activity contributes to the development of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Regular physical exercises help maintain healthy weight, reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol.

  • Inal meals: Improper nutrition, rich in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and sugar, contributes to the development of obesity, high level of cholesterol and hypertension.

  • Family history of cardiovascular diseases: If you have close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters) who suffered the SSZ at a young age, you have increased the risk of developing these diseases.

  • Chronic stress: Chronic stress can lead to an increase in blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors of the SVD.

  • Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the body plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis.

IV. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases in old age

The prevention of SVD in old age is multifactorial and includes a change in lifestyle, control of risk factors and, if necessary, drug treatment.

  • Life change change:

    • Healthy nutrition: Compliance with a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low -fat protein sources and healthy fats, is the cornerstone of the SSZ prevention. The consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and sugar should be limited. Diet Dash (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is an effective approach to reducing blood pressure and improving the health of the heart.

    • Regular physical activity: Regular physical exercises help maintain healthy weight, reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol and strengthen the heart muscle. It is recommended to engage in moderate physical activity of at least 150 minutes a week or intensive physical activity of at least 75 minutes a week. This may include walking, swimming, cycling, dancing or other activities that you like. It is important to consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program.

    • Maintaining a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight helps to reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol and reduce the risk of diabetes. If you have overweight or obesity, even a slight weight loss (5-10%) can have a significant positive effect on your health.

    • Refusal of smoking: Refusal of smoking is one of the most important steps that you can take to protect your heart health. Smoking damages the walls of arteries, promotes the formation of plaques and increases the risk of thrombosis.

    • Stress management: Chronic stress can negatively affect the health of the heart. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, tai-chi, communication with friends and family or occupying a favorite hobby.

    • Sufficient sleep: The lack of sleep can lead to an increase in blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors of the SVD. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.

    • Alcohol consumption restriction: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in blood pressure, arrhythmias and heart failure. If you drink alcohol, do it moderately (no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men).

  • Risk factors control:

    • Regular monitoring of blood pressure: Regularly measure blood pressure and consult a doctor if it is increased. The doctor may prescribe medications to reduce blood pressure, if necessary.

    • Regular cholesterol level monitoring: Consider cholesterol regularly and consult a doctor if it is increased. The doctor may prescribe medications to reduce cholesterol, if necessary.

    • Blood sugar control: If you have diabetes, thoroughly control the blood sugar and follow the doctor’s recommendations.

    • Regular medical examinations: Regularly visit a doctor for medical examinations and discussing the risk factors of the CVD. The doctor may recommend additional examinations such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiography to evaluate the health of your heart.

  • Medication:

    • Antihypertensive drugs: To reduce blood pressure, various classes of antihypertensive drugs can be prescribed, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptors and calcium channel blockers.

    • Statin: Statins are drugs that reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL).

    • Antiplans: Antiplans, such as aspirin, help prevent blood clots in the arteries.

    • Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants, such as warfarin or new oral anticoagulants (PLA), help prevent blood clots in people with certain diseases, such as atrial fibrillation.

    • Other drugs: Depending on your health state, the doctor can prescribe other drugs for the treatment of SSZ, such as nitrates to relieve chest pain or digoxin for the treatment of heart failure.

V. common cardiovascular diseases in old age

In old age, the following SVDs are most common:

  • Corny heart (coronary heart disease): IBS is a condition in which blood flow to the heart is limited due to narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood. IBS can manifest itself in the form of angina pectoris (chest pain), myocardial infarction (heart attack) or heart failure.

  • Heart failure: Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot effectively pump blood to meet the needs of the body. Heart failure can be caused by various diseases, such as IBS, hypertension, diabetes or damage to the heart valves.

  • Stroke: A stroke is a condition in which blood flow to the brain is disturbed due to blockage or rupture of the blood vessel. A stroke can lead to damage to the brain and various disorders, such as paralysis, speech impairment and cognitive disorders.

  • Atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia in which the atrium (upper heart chambers) are reduced irregularly and quickly. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke and other complications.

  • Damage to the peripheral arteries: The defeat of the peripheral arteries is a condition in which arteries that supply the legs and feet are narrowed or clogged. This can lead to pain in the legs when walking (intermittent chroma), ulcers on the legs and, in severe cases, to amputation.

  • Foundation of heart valves: Damage to the heart valves is a condition in which the heart valves do not function properly. This can lead to stenosis (narrowing) or insufficiency (incomplete closure) of the valves, which complicates the normal flow of blood through the heart.

VI. Diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases in old age

Diagnosis of SVD in old age can be complicated due to the presence of concomitant diseases and atypical manifestations of symptoms.

  • Anamnesis collection and physical examination: The doctor in detail question the patient about his symptoms, medical history, risk factors and drugs taken. During a physical examination, the doctor measures blood pressure, pulse, listens to the heart and lungs, examines the legs for edema and signs of damage to the peripheral arteries.

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): ECG is a simple and painless test that records electrical activity of the heart. ECG can help identify arrhythmias, signs of coronary heart disease and other heart diseases.

  • Echocardiography: Echocardiography is an ultrasound examination of the heart, which allows you to evaluate the structure and function of the heart, including the size of the heart chambers, the thickness of the heart of the heart, the function of the valves and the contractility of the heart muscle.

  • Holter monitoring: Holter monitoring is a continuous ECG recording method for 24-48 hours. This method can help identify arrhythmias that are not manifested during the usual ECG.

  • Treadmill test (test with physical activity): A thread test is a test during which the patient walks on a treadmill or pedal a bicycle ergometer with a gradually increasing load. During the test, ECG, blood pressure and heart rate are measured. A thread test can help identify signs of coronary heart disease and evaluate physical activity tolerance.

  • Coronarography: Coronarography is an invasive test during which a contrast medium is introduced into the coronary arteries and take x -rays. Coronarography allows you to visualize the coronary arteries and identify narrowing or blockage.

  • Blood tests: Blood tests can help detect an increased level of cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammatory markers and other indicators that may indicate the presence of SVDs.

VII. Treatment of cardiovascular diseases in old age

Treatment of CVD in old age can be difficult due to the presence of concomitant diseases, polypragmasis (taking a large number of drugs) and increased risk of side effects of drugs.

  • Medication: Drug treatment is an important part of the treatment of SVD in old age. The doctor may prescribe various drugs to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, preventing blood clots, facilitate chest pain and treatment of heart failure.

  • Surgical treatment: In some cases, surgical treatment may be required to restore blood flow in the coronary arteries (angioplasty or coronary bypass) or to replace or restore the affected heart valves.

  • Life change change: A change in lifestyle, such as healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, rejection of smoking and stress management, is an important part of the treatment of SVD in old age.

  • Rehabilitation: After myocardial infarction, stroke or heart operation, cardiological rehabilitation may be required to restore physical activity and improve the quality of life.

VIII. Special considerations in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly

In the treatment of SVD in elderly patients, it is necessary to take into account the following special considerations:

  • Polypragmasia: Elderly patients often take a large number of drugs for various diseases. This can increase the risk of side effects and drug interaction. It is necessary to carefully evaluate medicinal prescriptions and minimize the number of drugs, if possible.

  • Cognitive disorders: Cognitive disorders, such as dementia, may make it difficult to comply with the treatment regimen and medication. It is necessary to attract relatives or guardians to participate in treatment.

  • Functional restrictions: Functional restrictions, such as a decrease in mobility or impaired vision, can make it difficult to perform physical exercises and visit a doctor. It is necessary to adapt treatment programs to the needs of the patient.

  • Social isolation: Social isolation can negatively affect the health of the heart. It is necessary to maintain social activity and communication with friends and family.

  • Quality of life: When choosing a treatment strategy, it is necessary to take into account the quality of life of the patient. The purpose of treatment should be not only the extension of life, but also maintaining a good quality of life.

IX. The importance of early diagnosis and prevention

Early diagnosis and prevention play a key role in maintaining heart health in old age. Regular medical examinations, control of risk factors and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent the development of SVD or slow down their progression.

X. Заключение (This section will be added in a later iteration)

XI. Listen List (This Section Will Be Added in A Later ITERATION)

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