Common Cardiovascular Diseases in the Elderly

What are some common heart problems in the elderly?

Heart disease is a broad term encompassing a variety of illnesses that affect the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease is a broad phrase for a variety of diseases and health issues. Among the several types of heart disease are:

Arrhythmia. An abnormal cardiac beat is referred to as an arrhythmia.

Atherosclerosis. The hardening of the arteries is referred to as atherosclerosis.

Cardiomyopathy. This disorder causes the muscles of the heart to either become rigid or become weak.

Heart conditions are present at birth. Heart problems that were there when a person was born are called “congenital heart abnormalities.”

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart is what leads to coronary artery disease (CAD). Ischemic heart disease is another name for this condition.

What is “cardiovascular disease”?

“Cardiovascular disease” refers to a group of disorders that affect both the heart and the blood vessels. These diseases can have an impact on your heart, blood vessels, and other components of your cardiovascular system. A person can be symptomatic (physically experiencing the condition) or asymptomatic (not feeling anything at all).

Cardiovascular disease refers to problems with the heart or blood arteries, and it includes:

• Constriction of the blood arteries in the heart
• Problems with the heart and blood vessels are evident from birth.
• Heart valves that aren’t functioning as they should be.
• Abnormalities in heartbeat

What causes cardiovascular disease?

There are many different types of cardiovascular disease, each with its own set of risk factors. For example, both coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease are caused by atherosclerosis, often known as the formation of plaque in the arteries. Arrhythmias can be caused by coronary artery disease, scarring of the heart muscle, genetic problems, or severe drug reactions. Valve diseases can be caused by ageing, infections, or rheumatic problems.

What are some of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

If you have any of the following risk factors, your chance of getting cardiovascular disease may be higher:

• Unhealthy levels of blood pressure (hypertension).
• Poor cholesterol management (hyperlipidemia).
• Tobacco use (including vaping).
• Type 2 diabetes.
• A history of coronary artery disease in the family.
• Insufficient amount of physical activity.
• Struggling with obesity.
• Consumption of a lot of sodium, sugar, and fat in one’s diet.
• Consumption of alcohol in excess.
• Abuse of either legally prescribed or illegally obtained medicines.
• Preeclampsia or toxemia.
• Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy
• Conditions characterized by persistent inflammation or autoimmunity.
• Kidney illness that persists over time

What are signs of heart problems in the elderly?

There is a wide range of possible symptoms that can be brought on by various forms of heart disease.

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are any anomalies in the heart’s normal rhythm. The symptoms you’re experiencing could be related to the sort of arrhythmia you have, which refers to irregular heartbeats that are either too fast or too slow. Some of the signs of an arrhythmia are as follows:

• Lightheadedness
• A heart that is either fluttering or beating very quickly
• A slow heartbeat
• Fainting spells
• Dizziness
• Chest pain

Atherosclerosis

When you have atherosclerosis, the blood circulation to your extremities can be diminished. Atherosclerosis causes a number of symptoms, the most prevalent of which are: 

• Chest pain and shortness of breath.
• Discomfort caused by cold, especially in the limbs
• Numbness, most prominently in the extremities
• Strange or unexplained pain
• A lack of strength in both of your legs and arms

Heart conditions present at birth

Congenital heart defects are cardiac disorders that occur while the baby is still in the womb. Certain cardiac problems are never discovered. Others might be identified if any of the following signs are exhibited:

• Blue-tinged skin
• Edema of the limbs and extremities
• Discomfort in the chest or the inability to breathe normally
• Lack of energy and feelings of tiredness
• An uneven beat of the heart

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary artery disease is caused by plaque formation in the arteries that deliver oxygen-rich blood through the heart and lungs (CAD). CAD symptoms include the following:

• Ache or discomfort in the chest
• A sensation similar to that of chest compression or pressure
• A feeling of difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• A sensation similar to that of indigestion or gas

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the heart muscles to grow and become inflexible, thick, or otherwise compromised. The following are some instances of this condition’s symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Legs that are swollen, especially the ankles and feet
• A feeling of difficulty breathing
• Thumping or frenetic heartbeat

Infections of the heart:

The term “heart infections” refers to illnesses such as endocarditis and myocarditis that affect the heart. Some symptoms of a heart infection include:

• Chest pain
• Congested chest or persistent coughing
• Fever
• Chills
• Skin rash

Want to learn more?

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