At ALC our deep commitment to knowing our clients puts us ahead of the game in countless ways. This is particularly true as it relates to being proactive in terms of their well-being. Our highly trained clinical professionals are watchful for signs that might indicate a change in a client’s health. One area in which we are especially vigilant is heart health.
Heart disease is a threat even greater than cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women.
Heart disease includes a range of medical issues from heart defects to heart conditions. In February, health officials aim to bring extra attention to heart disease and the varied symptoms. Also known as cardiovascular disease, heart disease can refer to the condition of blocked or narrowed blood vessels which can lead to a heart attack, chest pain or stroke.
Paying attention to symptoms, regular checkups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are vital to battling heart disease.
The heart is a muscle that keeps the body running. Just as with other muscles, there are changes over time as one ages. According to the National Institutes of Health arteriosclerosis, the stiffening of arteries, is a common problem for people as they grow older. Over time, there is a buildup of fatty deposits such as plaque that leaves less space for blood to flow from the heart.
Another concern for aging adults is the heart wall thickening, as a result of the heart working hard to pump blood through stiffer blood vessels.
Early warning signs of heart disease are often ignored. While most associate extreme chest pain with the sign of a heart attack, other important symptoms to watch for include shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, back or jaw pain, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting and pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen.
Don’t ignore the symptoms or brush them aside. Take time to talk about your symptoms and concerns with a health professional and you’ll be able to spend more of your days enjoying loves ones.