Heart disease and senior citizens

February is American Heart Month! According to the American Heart Association, “heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.” Below are just a few of the ways that heart disease impacts senior citizens specifically.

Aging bodies

As we get older, some of our body’s tissues begin to break down. These may include the arteries that help blood flow to the heart. In addition, the cholesterol we’ve been eating for years may have finally built up enough in those arteries to limit blood flow, possibly leading to a heart attack.

Old habits die hard

We also tend to develop different habits as we age, including the possible reduction of aerobic exercise. However, we don’t always change the amount or type of foods we consume. Thus, if we continue a diet that contains a great deal of sugar, saturated fat and cholesterol, it will inevitably take a toll on our hearts.

The role medicine plays

Certain medications can also play a role in the development of heart disease in senior citizens. Seniors may feel pain more acutely than younger populations. As such, they may be more likely to increase their consumption of painkillers — another risk factor for heart attacks.