Heart Disease: Healing an Aging Heart – Cariloop Resource Center

Many people in our country unfortunately have ended up contracting heart disease, especially amongst the senior patients. Of course, who wants heart disease right? Heart disease causes 1.2 million heart attacks each year, and more than forty percent of those suffering from a heart attack will possibly die. Even more worrisome, 335,000 people with heart attacks will die in an emergency room or before ever reaching the hospital.

It is a good idea to jump on board and think about the habits and changes that can help avoid heart problems. Be sure to do your research and share the information you find with your loved ones. Some changes in the heart organ and blood vessels normally occur with the aging process. Preventing heart disease is crucial, but not impossible.

A little background by Medline Plus – the heart is made up of two sides. The right portion of the heart pumps blood to the lungs to receive oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the human body. Blood flows out of the heart organ and through the arteries, which then split up and get smaller in size as they go into tissues. In the tissues, they then become smaller sized capillaries.

Some uncontrollable risk-factors

– Male

– Elderly Age

– Family History of Heart Disease

– Post-Menopausal

– Race: African Americans, American Indians, and Mexican – More likely to have heart disease than Caucasians.

Important things to do in order to prevent heart disease

– Prevent stress – This helps individuals already affected by heart disease & heart attacks and those exhibiting risk factors.

– Avoid conflict between yourself and family that may cause a stressful atmosphere.

– Be patient with elderly parent’s anxieties. Acknowledge and understand.

– Get informed by physicians on important life style changes that might be helpful.

– Reinforce exercise methods to help the heart heal and remain strong.

– Reinforce the doctor’s advice to take up exercise, which done regularly will make the heart and lungs stronger

– Avoid Smoking. Smoking cessation therapy and counseling is encouraged.

– Follow low-fat diets and eat consciously – and tighten eating habits along with monitoring behavioral changes.

– Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Now that you are aware of some of the important risk factors and habits that will decrease your chances of heart disease, what else is there available for you to take part in, in fighting against heart disease? Sure enough, there is an opportunity where YOU can help save lives! Permitted by the American Heart Association, there is held a premiere event, The Heart Walk, to help raise funding for lives suffering from heart disease and strokes.

“I know you want to success, but take it easy. Never let your heart’s desire become a heart disease!” – Rev Run Quotes

By: Sarah Jamali