Seniors and caregivers in Bellefontaine, OH, should be aware that there are three primary types of coronary artery disease (CAD): obstructive (OCAD), non-obstructive (NOCAD), and spontaneous (SCAD).
Equally crucial is to recognize that all types are severe conditions. They have the potential to be life-threatening if left unmanaged.
Indeed, according to an article published in PubMed, CAD accounts for an estimated 610,000 fatalities every year (one in four) in the United States alone. With such a high rate, it's not surprising that it has become the nation's leading cause of mortality.
The good news, however, is that most cases of CAD are preventable.
Campbell Place Assisted Living, our senior living community in the charming town of Bellefontaine, OH, surrounded by natural landscapes, will share insights into senior cardiovascular awareness, preventative steps, and managing heart disease.
The three main types of coronary artery disease include:
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, OCAD is a type of coronary artery disease in which there is a 50% blockage in the diameter of a large coronary artery. NOCAD, on the other hand, is a condition in which the blockage obstructing the blood flow in a large coronary artery is under 50%.
SCAD is a rare form of heart condition in which a tear occurs in a coronary artery's inner layer. The damage causes blood to pool and clot, resulting in the blood flow becoming blocked. It can lead to a cardiac arrest or heart attack.
While it's not yet widely implemented, there's a proposed four-stage system aimed at classifying coronary artery disease. Its basis is on the presence and volume of plaque. Clinical trials are underway to test and prove its effectiveness compared to other systems (e.g., those that use risk factors).
Healthline says the proposed system uses two parameters to determine CAD stages. The first is "total plaque volume (TPV)," while the second is "percent atheroma volume (PAV)."
TPV reflects the plaque's extent and is in cubic millimeters (mm3). PAV refers to the percentage of the blood vessel wall occupied or blocked by plaque.
The best treatment for CAD is usually a personalized plan that combines lifestyle modifications with medications. More severe cases, however, may warrant the need for surgery.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is a crucial foundation of healthy aging and heart function, especially considering the CAD variations in seniors vs. their younger counterparts. An example of such age-related variation is an increase in the stiffness and calcification of the arteries.
For those reasons, one of the most critical Bellefontaine heart health tips for area seniors is to adopt a heart-healthy diet, which can help manage existing CAD and reduce the risk of the disease in those who don't have it yet. Ideally, meals should be low in salt, sugar, and saturated fats and should focus on:
Managing weight to improve heart health is just as vital, something that Bellefontaine seniors are more likely to achieve by engaging in regular physical wellness activities. From nature walks at Myeerah Nature Preserve to gardening and dance classes, these are all fun ideas for older adults to move more.
Seniors who smoke should also kick this unhealthy, even deadly habit. It's best to replace it with more stress-reducing, interesting, and healthy hobbies.
Arts and crafts and volunteering are some examples. They're mentally engaging while also promoting movement.
According to the U.S. CDC, individuals with CAD may also have to take medicines aimed at treating the risk factors for the disease. Such medications can be for hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, or an irregular heartbeat.
Taking these medications as prescribed and instructed may help lower the risk of worsening heart disease or a heart attack.
In cases wherein lifestyle modifications and medications alone can't manage CAD, surgery may already be in order. Seniors in Bellefontaine, OH, with severe CAD may have to undergo angioplasty and stenting or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Chest pain (e.g., a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest) is one of the most common symptoms of CAD. Fatigue and shortness of breath are also typical indications.
Seniors in Bellefontaine, OH, who experience persistent chest pain and pain that radiates to the jaw, arms, neck, or back, should call emergency services as soon as possible. Such symptoms can already indicate a heart attack.
People with coronary artery disease may also have co-occurring diseases or health problems related to the same risk factors as CAD. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are common examples. Diabetes is another.
The good news is that since these co-occurring conditions share many of the same risk factors, their management strategies are also similar. Healthy lifestyle changes, such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction, can all help manage CAD, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
While OCAD is often the most severe of all types of coronary artery disease, NOCAD and SCAD can still be dangerous and lead to life-threatening conditions. For these reasons, seniors in Bellefontaine, OH, should do what they can to prevent or manage CAD.
Campbell Place Assisted Living, our senior living community in Bellefontaine, OH, is happy to help seniors lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. We take a comprehensive approach here, involving personalized care plans, nutritious dining, daily wellness activities, and a supportive community environment.
We invite you to contact our friendly team today to book a tour of our community so you can see for yourself what sets us apart.