As we age, coronary heart disease becomes a major challenge for many older adults. However, patients with coronary heart disease crave a long life, which is what they expect. Scientific research and clinical practice have revealed some common features that can help older patients better manage their condition. Let's explore these five traits together and see how they can be incorporated into our daily lives.
Coronary heart disease is a common cardiovascular disease in the elderly, usually caused by arteriosclerosis, resulting in narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, affecting blood flow to the heart muscle, and may cause chest pain, angina pectoris, or myocardial infarction. As we age, the risk of heart disease increases, so older people need to pay special attention to a healthy lifestyle, regular medical checkups, and management of the condition under the guidance of a doctor.
The characteristics of coronary heart disease in the elderly usually include the following:
- Multi-disease coexistence: Elderly patients with coronary heart disease are often accompanied by other chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung disease, etc., which can affect each other and increase the complexity of treatment.
- Atypical symptom presentation: older patients may not present with typical symptoms of chest pain, but rather with nonspecific symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, syncope, or dyspepsia.
- Diagnostic and treatment challenges: Due to the reduced physiological reserve and multimorbidity of older adults, the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease requires greater caution to avoid overtreatment or drug interactions.
- Weakened recovery: Older patients have a reduced ability of the heart to repair and adapt to itself, and may recover more slowly from cardiac events than younger patients, and are more likely to develop other problems.
- Increased drug sensitivity: older people may be more sensitive to drug reactions and prone to side effects, so special attention should be paid to dose adjustment and monitoring when taking drugs.
3 bad habits of coronary heart disease in the elderly.
1. Unhealthy eating habits:
Long-term intake of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar will increase the possibility of fat deposition on the blood vessel wall, leading to accelerated arteriosclerosis and increasing the risk of coronary heart disease.
2. Lack of moderate exercise:
Being sedentary or lacking exercise will weaken the function of the cardiovascular system, leading to weight gain, increased blood pressure, and then increasing the burden on the heart, which is not conducive to the control and prevention of coronary heart disease.
3. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption:
Smoking increases the risk of heart attack by constricting blood vessels and increasing blood viscosity, while excessive alcohol consumption increases blood pressure and increases the burden on the heart, which is detrimental to heart health.
Improving these bad habits is essential for the prevention and control of coronary heart disease in old age.
When delving into the health of the elderly, we can find some common traits that not only reflect their lifestyle, but also reveal the secrets of longevity. Here are 5 common traits of senior seniors that are essential for maintaining health and improving quality of life.
1. Weight Management: Balance and Appropriateness
Older people tend to maintain a relatively standard weight. They are neither excessively obese to increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, nor too thin to avoid malnutrition and weakened immunity. Such a weight balance is achieved through a balanced diet and moderate exercise. They typically choose fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, and consume high-quality protein and healthy fats in moderation. At the same time, they will limit their intake of foods high in sugar, salt, and fat to reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases.
2. Three highs control: healthy living habits
The so-called "three highs" refer to high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high blood lipids. Older adults are usually able to manage these three highs well because they adhere to healthy lifestyle habits, including a regular diet and moderate exercise. They monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels regularly and follow their doctor's recommendations to make adjustments. By controlling the three highs, they were able to effectively prevent cardiovascular disease and other related complications.
3. Vitality Maintenance: Exercise and Socialization
A penchant for activity is another common trait among older adults. They often engage in physical activities that are appropriate for their age and physical fitness, such as walking, tai chi, swimming, or yoga. Not only do these activities help maintain weight, but they also enhance cardiovascular health and improve the body's flexibility and balance. In addition, their hands and feet are warm, which is a sign of good blood circulation and a direct benefit of regular exercise.
4. Psychological state: relaxation and optimism
Older people are usually relaxed and have a positive and optimistic attitude towards life. They tend to see the good things in life and are able to manage stress effectively. They may relax by meditating, practicing breathing, or spending time with family and friends. This positive state of mind can help reduce the burden of chronic illness and improve overall well-being.
5. Medical communication: active and regular
The elderly attach great importance to communication with doctors and will have regular medical check-ups. They recognize the importance of timely medical consultation and examination for early detection and treatment of diseases. Through active interaction with medical professionals, they are able to better understand their health and receive personalized medical advice.
All in all, these seniors demonstrate how to maintain a good physical and mental state by actively managing their health and lifestyle. Their lifestyle habits provide us with valuable references and guidance on how to age healthily. Through a balanced diet, moderate exercise, mental relaxation, active socialization, and good communication with doctors, we can improve our quality of life and enjoy a more fulfilling and healthy old age.