Matters of the Heart: What Seniors Need to Know About Cardiac Health

Your heart powers every precious moment of your life—from sharing laughter with loved ones to enjoying peaceful afternoons in your community. However, as we age, this important part of our body can be affected by significant health problems. 

To support seniors in understanding common heart conditions and how to reduce risk factors, Curana Health—a leading provider of on-site healthcare services for senior living residents and skilled nursing patients—has gathered the following information for you and your loved ones:  

Why Heart Health Matters More with Age

As we get older, the chance of developing heart disease increases significantly.  

“Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and the older we are, the greater our risk,” said Curana Health nurse practitioner Christina Summers, who cares for assisted living, independent living, and memory care residents in an Arizona community. “In fact, approximately 80% of my patients have been diagnosed with a chronic heart condition or have significant risk factors for heart disease.” 

Recognizing Warning Signs: When to Act

Common conditions seniors should be aware of include: 

• Hypertension (high blood pressure): High blood pressure can damage your heart and blood vessels without obvious symptoms. Because of this, regular monitoring is crucial for prevention and management. 

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib): This irregular heartbeat pattern can increase your risk of blood clots and stroke. However, with proper medication and monitoring, AFib can be effectively managed. 

• Congestive heart failure (CHF): When your heart struggles to pump effectively, fluid can build up in your body, leading to fatigue and breathing difficulties. But there’s good news: early detection and proper treatment can significantly improve quality of life. 

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): The narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the heart can cause chest pain and increase heart attack risk. However, lifestyle changes and medication can help manage this condition. 

Detecting these conditions early can greatly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life, so if you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to discuss them with your primary care clinician as soon as possible: 

• Shortness of breath, especially during everyday activities 

• Swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles 

• Unexplained fatigue or weakness 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness 

• Sudden weight gain or fluid retention 

• Persistent coughing or wheezing 

While the symptoms listed above can be discussed during a visit with your primary care team, some other symptoms, like chest pain or discomfort and/or a rapid or irregular heartbeat, require urgent medical evaluation and support. 

“If you have sudden and severe chest pain, shortness of breath that worsens quickly, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, or trouble speaking, you should call 911 right away,” Summers said.  

Prevention Strategies That Truly Work

While aging increases your risk of developing heart disease, there are many steps you can take to protect your heart and prevent cardiac conditions, including: 

• Getting more physical activity that matches your mobility level (like daily walks or gentle exercises) 

• Monitoring your blood pressure regularly (with the support of your care team) 

• Choosing heart-healthy foods, such as leafy greens, nuts, berries, fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (including salmon and mackerel), whole grains, and herbs and spices (as a substitute for salt) 

• Maintaining a healthy weight (to reduce strain on your heart) 

“When combined with regular check-ins with your primary care clinician, these preventive steps can significantly lower your risk of developing heart disease,” Summers said. 

How Curana Health Empowers Heart Care

At Curana Health, we’ve developed an innovative model of healthcare delivery that provides seniors with comprehensive, personalized, and convenient heart care. Our approach combines regular monitoring, preventive services, and health education—all from the comfort of your community. 

Our services include: 

• Personalized, in-residence visits that allow our providers to better understand your daily routines and challenges (to help you reduce symptoms and better address any risk factors) 

• Regular visits with your care team every one to three months to monitor vitals and address any symptoms or concerns 

• 24/7 clinical support to address health concerns and help prevent unnecessary hospitalizations 

• Comprehensive medication management to make sure you are taking the right prescriptions and getting refills in a timely manner 

• Coordination of appointments with and referrals to cardiologists and other specialists 

• Regular health education events and blood pressure clinics in your community 

“We are committed to helping you live the happiest and healthiest life possible. To do that, we carefully review your health history and come up with a plan of action that takes your specific needs and goals into account,” Summers said. “One of my most cherished moments was helping a new patient receive an accurate diagnosis of heart failure. Previous care teams had missed the condition, and when she started receiving the appropriate treatment, she quickly lost 17 pounds of water weight and could move around and breathe much easier.” 

Contact Curana Health Today

At Curana, your heart—and overall health—are our top priorities. If you’re looking for comprehensive care and we are currently in your facility, reach out today to schedule your first appointment.