Heart health screening for seniors includes blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, and electrocardiograms (EKGs). During these appointments, you should expect about 30 to 60 minutes of various tests. Knowing what to expect helps you feel prepared during these important wellness visits.
According to the CDC, every 34 seconds, a person dies from cardiovascular disease. This makes heart disease a leading cause of death for Americans. Luckily, regular screenings catch problems before they become life-threatening emergencies.
Newburgh offers a peaceful riverside setting along the Ohio River, with easy access to quality healthcare providers who specialize in senior cardiac care. We also have senior living communities with programs that encourage healthy living.
Recognizing warning signs helps you seek medical attention promptly. Here are signs of an unhealthy heart:
Chest pain, called angina, signals reduced blood flow to your heart muscle. The sensation may feel like squeezing or heaviness.
Angina will often happen during physical activity or emotional stress. It usually subsides with rest. However, any chest pain warrants medical evaluation.
Pain radiating to your neck, jaw, or throat can signal heart problems. This discomfort often accompanies chest sensations but can also occur alone.
Unusual tiredness, especially during normal activities, can be a sign of heart problems. Your heart may struggle to pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.
Difficulty breathing during normal activities suggests your heart struggles to pump efficiently. You may feel winded climbing stairs or walking short distances. Breathlessness that wakes you at night or requires sleeping propped up also indicates serious heart problems.
Fluid retention, causing swollen ankles, feet, or legs, suggests heart failure. When your heart doesn't pump effectively, fluid backs up in tissues. Sudden weight gain from fluid retention is also a sign of trouble.
Feeling faint or dizzy can result from irregular heart rhythms or reduced blood flow to your brain. These symptoms warrant prompt evaluation.
If you're in assisted living in Newburgh, IN, your comprehensive heart screenings will involve several tests. Each test measures different aspects of heart function.
Blood pressure checks form the foundation of every heart screening. This simple test measures the force of blood against your artery walls.
High blood pressure often shows no symptoms but damages the arteries over time. Your doctor takes multiple readings to ensure accuracy.
Cholesterol testing for seniors requires a blood sample that measures different types of cholesterol and triglycerides in your bloodstream. Your doctor looks at:
High LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in arteries. You may need to fast for 9 to 12 hours before this test. The blood draw takes just a few minutes, though results may take a day or two to process.
An EKG records your heart's electrical activity. Small electrodes attached to your chest, arms, and legs detect electrical signals with each heartbeat. This painless test takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
You lie still while the machine records your heart rhythm. The EKG reveals irregular heartbeats, previous heart attacks, and other electrical problems.
Your doctor listens to your heart with a stethoscope. They check for unusual sounds called murmurs that may indicate valve problems.
Additionally, they'll examine your ankles and legs for swelling, which can signal heart failure. Expect them to also check your pulse to reveal circulation problems.
Exercise stress tests show how your heart performs under physical exertion. You walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while connected to an EKG monitor.
The test gradually increases in intensity. Your doctor monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and rhythm throughout the activity.
This ultrasound of your heart creates images of heart chambers, valves, and blood flow. The painless test uses sound waves to produce detailed pictures. These images reveal structural problems and pumping efficiency.
Asking the right questions ensures you understand your heart health. Don't hesitate to speak up and ask these questions during appointments.
Review all medications and supplements with your doctor. When you actively participate in your Newburgh senior wellness, you can expect better outcomes.
Coronary angiography is considered the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease. This invasive procedure involves threading a thin tube through blood vessels to your heart.
Contrast dye injected through the catheter makes arteries visible on X-ray images. Doctors can see precisely where and how severely arteries are blocked. The procedure happens in a hospital catheterization lab.
While highly accurate, angiography carries small risks, including bleeding or allergic reactions to the dye. Doctors order this test only when less invasive tests suggest large blockages.
Some tests can detect clogged arteries, promoting wellness for aging adults. Coronary calcium scoring uses CT scans to measure calcium deposits in coronary arteries. More calcium indicates more plaque buildup.
This noninvasive test takes just minutes.
Cardiac catheterization and angiography are among the most expensive heart tests. Costs vary based on location, hospital, and whether additional procedures like stent placement occur during the catheterization.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover medically necessary cardiac testing. Always verify coverage before scheduling expensive procedures.
Proactive heart health screening ensures you can enjoy a healthy retirement. These checks can help identify risks before they become major medical issues.
At Bell Oaks Place Assisted Living, we offer a family atmosphere where your cardiovascular wellness becomes everyone's priority. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, offering quality care coordination that ensures your heart health concerns receive immediate, expert attention at any hour. From our exclusive exercise programs to individualized medical management, we ensure seniors receive tailored cardiac care.
Contact us today to schedule a tour of our Newburgh senior wellness community.