Heart disease in older adults – The River Reporter

By JAMES D. LOMAX, MD

The month of February is traditionally recognized as American Heart Month.

Because of the ongoing pandemic, this recognition has been overshadowed by COVID-19 statistics about new coronavirus strains, hospitalizations and deaths. For older adults, it is very relevant because the presence of cardiovascular disease with this virus is strongly associated with very poor clinical outcomes and increased mortality.

This article will discuss the prevalence of heart diseases and strokes in adults and ways to support your heart health by following proven preventative measures.

Before the pandemic, the top five reasons for deaths in 2019 were heart disease, cancers, accidents (unintentional injuries), chronic lower respiratory diseases and stroke (cerebrovascular diseases). (Source: Mortality in the United States, 2019, data table for figure 2).

The term cardiovascular is not a very descriptive term. More descriptive terminology of common heart conditions includes muscle diseases (cardiomyopathy), irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) and blood vessel disease of heart vessels and peripheral circulation (e.g., coronary artery disease, hypertension, coronary artery blockage and strokes).

There are many risk factors confronting older adults that either cause or exacerbate underlying heart conditions. Age, gender, race, ethnicity and family history are factors we have no control over, but there are many lifestyle changes that can either exacerbate or benefit heart conditions.

In closing, it is important for all adults, regardless of age, to work closely with their physicians to screen for underlying heart disease and avoid exposure to COVID-19. We are all being challenged to find our COVID-19 vaccinations, follow distancing protocols, wear appropriate masks when going out in public and clean our hands frequently in order to avoid coronavirus infection because of the serious cardiac complications that can develop. Hopefully, by this time next year, these risks will have decreased.

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Heart disease in older adults - The River Reporter