Thriving with Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the arteries that supply oxygen and blood to the heart have narrowed. It is one of the most common forms of heart disease and many people live with it for years because it has no symptoms in the early stages. Here’s what you need to know about coronary artery disease and how senior home care can support seniors as they take steps toward thriving with coronary artery disease.

Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms

Angina, or chest pain and discomfort, is often the first sign of coronary artery disease. It will happen when the heart isn’t getting enough blood or oxygen. The pain can be subtle or intense and feel like someone is squeezing his heart or his heart feels full of pressure.

The discomfort will often subside when your loved one is resting so he might be tempted to ignore it for a while. But this first symptom is important to act on because it could signal his coronary artery disease and without treatment, he could be in danger of a heart attack.

Five Tips to Keep Your Loved One With Coronary Artery Disease Healthy

Your loved one’s doctor will help him determine the best treatment for his disease after a thorough examination. If it is advanced, he may need surgery, but in the early stages, it can often be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. As his family caregiver, you can help your loved one implement healthier lifestyle habits if he currently isn’t practicing them. Here are five lifestyle habits you can help him with.

• Switching to a heart-healthy, plant-rich diet
  Making diet changes can often be the most difficult change to make. Help your loved one by starting small and implementing little changes that’ll make a big difference in his overall health in the long term. Start buying foods that are lower in sodium, work on reducing processed meats, and help him avoid foods that are high in trans fat (like fried foods and pastries).
• Finding healthy ways to manage stress
  Stress can damage the heart so finding healthy ways to manage stress through meditation, yoga, or mindful relaxation can help keep those stress levels down.
• Getting regular exercise
  Daily movement is good for the heart and overall health. Encourage daily walks or working in the garden. Find what he likes and help him to stick to a regular schedule of doing it.
• Getting consistent sleep
  Don’t ignore the importance of a good night’s sleep. Sleep is an important restorative process for the body.
• Finding support
  While you can help him at home, he might find he needs a support group to talk about his concerns regarding his condition or to help him stay on task for a healthier lifestyle. The more support he has, the better chance he’ll have of implementing healthier lifestyle choices and sticking to them.

Senior Home Care Can Help When You’re Not There

If you don’t live near your loved one or if he needs more assistance than you can provide, consider having a senior home care provider for support in the care of your loved one. A senior home care provider can assist with errands like picking up medications and shopping for heart-healthy foods. A senior home care provider can also help him prepare meals that adhere to his doctor’s dietary suggestions as well as assist with medication management if your loved one needs reminders to take his medications or stay on top of refills.

With a senior home care provider, you’ll both have someone else to rely on and encourage healthy living.

Reference
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/coronary-artery-disease

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Lindsborg, KS, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home Central Kansas today. Call 620-603-0685.

Touching Hearts at Home Central Kansas is a Trusted Home Care Agency Barton, Dickinson, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Great Bend, Hutchinson, Larned, Lyons, Marion, McPherson, Newton, Pawnee, Rice, Reno, Salina, Sedgwick, Stafford, and the surrounding areas.